§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimate is of the cost of the Penrose inquiry in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03. [12842]
§ Ruth KellyNo firm estimate has been made of the cost of the Penrose inquiry. Whatever resources are required by Lord Penrose will be made available to him.
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff are employed on the Penrose inquiry(a) full-time and (b) part-time. [12841]
§ Ruth KellyThe Penrose inquiry is an independent inquiry and the number of staff employed on it will be determined by the requirements of Lord Penrose. I understand that currently there are seven full-time and two part-time staff employed on the inquiry.