§ Lord Colwynasked Her Majesty's Government:
Following the resignation of Dr Robin Wild as Chief Dental Officer, whether the position of Chief Dental Officer has been advertised; and, if so, when. [HL3916]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)Robin Wild has retired early and the post has not been advertised at this juncture, Dame Margaret Seward has been appointed to succeed him on a fixed-term basis to concentrate on implementing the Government's new strategy for NHS dentistry. The Civil Service recruitment rules allow for anyone to be appointed on a fixed-term contract for up to 12 months. This period can be extended for up to a year further subject to the Civil Service Commissioner's agreement.