§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many specialist pharmacist inspectors the National Care Standards Commission plans to have in its establishment; how many will be in post from 1 April 2002; and what their role will be. [11013]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 29 October 2001]: The planned establishment for pharmacist inspectors in the National Care Standards Commission is 66. The number which will be in post at 1 April 2002 is not yet known, as invitations to transfer have not yet been issued to staff eligible to transfer from health authorities and trusts. The ministerial scheme to effect the transfer of staff (the Statutory Transfer Order) will be prepared later this year.
350WThe role of pharmacist inspectors in the National Care Standards Commission will continue to be to provide professional support to regulation, with the new regulator, from 1 April 2002.