§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people on the Health and Safety Executive are currently responsible for overseeing (a) manufacturers of vaccines and antibiotics, (b) clinical laboratories in hospitals and (c) medical centres.
§ Mr. AlisonIn each HSE area, inspection of premises used for the manufacture of vaccines or antibiotics is a part of the planned programme of work of a small team of inspectors. This team is led by a principal inspector and specialises in dealing with the health and safety risks found in the whole range of chemical processes. A similar arrangement exists for the inspection of clinical laboratories in hospitals and medical centres. As a part of their duties 70 inspectors are involved in the inspection of chemical processes, and a similar number in the inspection of clinical laboratories and medical centres. They are supported by a further 15 specialist chemical inspectors, four of whom are microbiologists. Inspectors can also ask for advice on any medical hazards from the Employment Medical Advisory Service.