Audit Commission (Inspectors)

HC Deb 04 March 2003 vol 400 c921W

Mr. Norman

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many inspection staff have been employed by the Audit Commission responsible for inspecting local authorities in each year since 1997. [100509]

Mr. Leslie

The number of staff employed in the Audit Commission's inspection directorate, including inspectors and direct support staff, by Audit Commission financial year (1 November—31 October), is as follows:

	Number of stuff employed
1996–1997	Nil
1997–1998	4
1998–1999	18
1999–2000	73
2000–2001	324
2001–2002	438
2002–2003	400 (budget)