§ Mr. ConwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the cost per hour of employing a medicines inspector; and what is the charge per hour to those requiring an inspection for a wholesale dealers licence.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyCurrent pay scales for medicines inspectors are £16,822 to £22,138 and £21,905 to £27,299 for a principal medicines inspector. In addition there are overheads including superannuation, national344W insurance, accommodation, training, travel and subsistence and support services. These costs cannot be allocated to the different grade of inspector or, until the current unit cost evaluation and fee review is completed, to the type of inspection undertaken. Fees for inspections are at a standard rate and not charged at an hourly rate.