Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Monday, 15 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 January 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 12 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, for what reasons five of the posts for regional microbiologists formerly filled by group directors of the Public Health Laboratory Service are vacant.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons five of the posts for regional microbiologists formerly filled by group directors of the Public Health Laboratory Service are vacant. [145039] Miss Melanie Johnson: There are nine regional microbiologist posts in the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Four of these have been filled by former Public Health Laboratory Service group laboratory directors, following internal advertisement, applying procedures in accordance with the change management protocol which was agreed when the HPA was created. The remaining five positions were subsequently advertised externally and the process for assessing and interviewing candidates is underway.

Secondary information