§ 66. Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now been able to reconsider the composition of the Agricultural Improvement Council for Scotland and the fact that despite the importance of animal farming in Scotland the veterinary profession is not represented thereon; whether inquiries have been made as to why the representation of the veterinary profession was provided for on the parallel body for England and Wales; and whether he will now arrange to make the Scottish Council equally effective for its purpose?
The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Wedderburn)I would refer to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on this subject on 24th July. The claim for the appointment of a representative of the veterinary profession on the Agricultural Improvement Council for Scotland was carefully considered, but it was not thought advisable to constitute the Council on the basis of representation of the various sections of the agricultural industry. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries took the same view as regards the Council for England and Wales, and I understand that the member of the veterinary profession who is on the Agricultural Improvement Council for England and Wales was no' appointed as a representative of the profession.