HC Deb 24 June 1913 vol 54 cc959-60
24. Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the Secretary for Scotland what are the duties of the veterinary inspector to the Local Government Board for Scotland; and what are the veterinary qualifications required of the occupant of this post?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

The duties of the veterinary inspector to the Local Government Board for Scotland are to supervise throughout Scotland the inspection of meat and also the inspection of cattle and dairies in relation to milk supply. The veterinary qualifications required have reference particularly to these duties.

25. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked if Professor G. R. Leighton has been appointed veterinary inspector to the Local Government Board for Scotland; if so, what diplomas or other educational distinction in comparative pathology or veterinary science and therapeutics he possesses; and what has been the nature and extent of his practice as a veterinary surgeon?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Professor G. R. Leighton has been appointed veterinary inspector. He holds the following degrees and distinctions; M.D., C.M., L.R.C.P. and S.E., L.F.P.S G., and F.R.S.E. He has been connected with Royal Dick Veterinary College since 1902, first as lecturer on comparative pathology and bacteriology, and latterly as professor of pathology, bacteriology, and meat inspection. In that capacity he has given lectures on diseases of animals, bacteriology of animal diseases, practical pathology, practical bacteriology, and meat inspection, and also demonstrations on healthy and diseased carcases, the lectures on meat inspection and the demonstrations being conducted at the Edinburgh corporation slaughterhouses. Professor Leighton has also a knowledge of Continental abattoirs, meat inspection, and methods of dealing with milk supply.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Is it not the fact that none of the qualifications or degrees mentioned by the right hon. Gentleman are veterinary degrees; that the bulk of the duties of this office are veterinary duties, and that this official has had no veterinary education whatever?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I cannot agree that he has not had any veterinary experience.

Mr. C. BATHURST

I said veterinary education.