HC Deb 27 July 1967 vol 751 cc954-5
17. Mr. Gwynfor Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has for the establishment in Wales of a veterinary college.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) on 27th June.—[Vol. 749, c. 73–4.]

Mr. Evans

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the establishment of a veterinary college in Wales has been urged for at least 20 years by those who best know the need, and that the need is now increasing and the situation becoming acute because of the increasing number of veterinary graduates who are taking posts overseas?

Mr. Roberts

There are two or three points to bear in mind here. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) the other day, existing facilities for veterinary studies in Great Britain are at present expected to meet the demand for places and the need for qualified veterinarians. However, if the position in Wales is such as to require the setting up of a department in veterinary medicine and surgery, it should be by representation by the university to the University Grants Committee, which, I am sure, would examine any such proposal with all due care and sympathy.