§ 51. Mr. Higgsasked the Minister of Agriculture what is his estimate of the present annual loss caused to this country by disease among farm animals; and what steps are being taken to expedite the development of the veterinary services with a view to reducing this toll.
Mr. T. WilliamsNo recent estimate of the annual loss caused by animal disease is available but in their second report, issued in 1944, the Committee on Veterinary Education in Great Britain quoted an estimate of £30 million per annum. As to the second part of the Question, one of the most important steps to improve the facilities for veterinary education and to increase the flow of graduates into the veterinary profession has been the passing of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, 1948. In addition, facilities for veterinary research and the various services and schemes provided or operated by my Department are being expanded as rapidly as circumstances permit.