§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the selection procedure for(a) the Drug Tzar and (b) his Deputy. [64695]
§ Dr. Jack CunninghamThe UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, Keith Hellawell, was appointed following a fair and open competition. The process was in line with the Nolan principles, including the involvement of an independent member on the interview panel. The post was advertised in the national press attracting a very strong field of over 200 applicants. Of these, seven demonstrating the strongest evidence of the core skills for the job, were selected for interview. The interview panel appointed Mike Trace as deputy because his background and expertise provided a valuable supporting role to the Co-ordinator.