Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the timetable is for the appointment of a Chief Scientific Adviser; and what steps he is taking to ensure effective scientific advice until that appointment is made.

Following a recent recruitment campaign, one candidate has been offered the role and we will make an announcement in due-course. In the interim period, we have been drawing on the knowledge and experience of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser.