HC Deb 09 July 1953 vol 517 cc1461-2
10. Commander Scott-Miller

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of veterinary officers and veterinary assistants at present employed by his Department; and how these figures compare with those of the last three years.

Sir T. Dugdale

As the comparison with the last three years involves a table

— Veterinary officers (field staff) Veterinary officers (employed on research or veterinary investigation work) Temporary veterinary inspectors Local veterinary inspectors
1st July, 1953 … 369 88 45 1,810
1st July, 1952 … 360 78 67 1,695
1st July, 1951 … 342 73 6 1,576
1st July, 1950 … 330 67 3 1,465
NOTE:
(i) Temporary Veterinary Inspectors are employed on foot-and-mouth, fowl pest and tuberculin testing duties on a daily fee-paid basis.
(ii) Local Veterinary Inspectors are veterinary surgeons in private practice who are employed on a fee basis to carry out work on behalf of the Ministry.
14. Commander Scott-Miller

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present number of veterinary surgeons and practitioners available to the agricultural industry; and how these figures compare with those of the last three years.

Sir T. Dugdale

I am informed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that there are 5,485 names on the register of Veterinary Surgeons. Of these, about 2,700 are in private veterinary practice in Great Britain, but not all are likely to be engaged exclusively on agricultural work. This compares with a figure of about 2,500 in 1950.

In addition there are about 300 veterinary practitioners in a supplementary register maintained by the Royal College. The number has not altered significantly over the past three years. About 200 are in private practice, but some of these may be engaged on work outside agriculture.

Commander Scott-Miller

In view of the rapidly expanding agricultural industry

of figures, I will, with permission, circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Commander Scott-Miller

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, might I ask him whether he is satisfied that he can meet the ever-increasing demand from the agricultural industry for veterinary services?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir, I think that the position is satisfactory and that we can meet the demands as they arise.

Following is the information:

and the new demands for veterinary surgeons and practitioners arising all the time, could my right hon. Friend say whether he is satisfied with the general rate of increase of members of the veterinary service?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir. As I said in answer to a previous Question, I keep this point very much under review the whole time. I am satisfied that the position is satisfactory. There are times when we get such a big increase of work in the eradication of tuberculosis that in certain areas we may be temporarily short, but the general position is satisfactory.

Mr. W. R. Williams

Is the Minister satisfied that the number of students in the various agricultural colleges and universities is sufficient to meet the demand of an extended agricultural industry in the future?

Sir T. Dugdale

I have never had any contrary advice tendered to me.