Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Kamall on 17 May (HL71), what is the average rate of staff turnover within the Coronavirus Test Device Approval team since its implementation; and what steps they are taking to ensure that this does not affect the ability of the review team, including new scientific advisors, to address the ongoing COVID diagnostics application backlog.

We are unable to provide the information requested on average staff turnover as it is not held in the format requested and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The number of scientific advisors has remained stable. There are six new posts currently advertised to recruit permanent civil servants as scientific advisors, to replace contractors in these roles. In addition, organisational learning is being recorded to ensure continuity, including a new management information system and appropriate handover periods as staff are replaced.