HC Deb 11 March 2003 vol 401 cc238-9W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Health Protection Agency will, from 1 April, be able to call for special investigations on outbreaks of infection. [100394]

Ms Blears

We intend to establish the Health Protection Agency as a special health authority from 1 April 2003. Its functions will be specified in the Order which establishes it.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 6 February 2003,Official Report, column 443W, on the Health Protection Agency, when the board of the agency will be appointed; and how long it will take for staff to be identified as at risk of redundancy. [101138]

Ms Blears

Subject to legislation it is intended that the non-executive members of the Board of the Health Protection Agency will be appointed on 1 April 2003. As indicated in the earlier answer, any staff at risk of redundancy cannot be identified until after the Board has agreed an organisational structure. The timetable will be for the Board to establish.