§ 8. Mr. RHYS DAVIES (for Mr. T. WILLIAMS)asked the Minister of Agriculture how many qualified veterinary surgeons are employed by his Department exclusively for inspecting cattle, and farm sheds and buildings, and other duties involved in the Tuberculosis Order, 1925; and how many inspections were carried out during the last year for which figures are available?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThere are no qualified veterinary surgeons employed by the Ministry exclusively on duties involved under the Tuberculosis Order, 1925, which, in the main, is administered by the local authorities and their veterinary staffs. Imported cattle are examined in the landing places by the Ministry's veterinary staff for tuberculosis as well as for other 7 scheduled contagious diseases, and on this work 11 veterinary inspectors are employed full time.
§ Mr. DAVIESMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware of the present number of persons employed upon those inspections, and, if he is not satisfied, will he be good enough to look into the matter?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAs my hon. Friend knows, we have proposals before Parliament for the improvement of the dairy herds.