HC Deb 28 March 1949 vol 463 cc836-7
50. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many veterinary surgeons are located in each of the counties in Wales; and what is the percentage of farms and holdings covered.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

As the reply to the first part involves a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am not aware that any farmers in Wales are unable to obtain the services of a veterinary surgeon.

Mr. Harold Davies

Does not my right hon. Friend think the time has now come to review entirely the National Veterinary Service, and will he get into consultation—

Mr. Speaker

That is another question; this Question only asks how many veterinary surgeons there are in Wales.

Following is the table:

Number of practising veterinary surgeons resident in each county in Wales (including Monmouth):
Anglesey … … … 6
Brecon … … … 4
Caernarvon … … … 9
Cardigan … … … 13
Carmarthen … … … 26
Denbigh … … … 18
Flint … … … 7
Glamorgan … … … 37
Merioneth … … … 4
Monmouth … … … 10
Montgomery … … … 10
Pembroke … … … 13
Radnor … … … 1
Total … … … 158

In addition to those in private practice, there are 48 veterinary surgeons in Wales, including 44 in the Ministry's service, holding full-time veterinary appointments.