§ 6. Miss Fookesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many posts in the State veterinary service are vacant at the last convenient date, and if he is satisfied that the numbers are sufficient to undertake all their duties including routine inspections of farming units.
§ Mr. PeartOn 1st March there were 126 vacancies in the State veterinary service out of a total complement of 698 professional staff. Consequently some of the duties do not receive as high a priority as I would wish.
§ Miss FookesIs not the right hon. Gentleman concerned by the very large proportion of posts unfilled and by the fact that many jobs are left entirely undone and receive no priority at all?
§ Mr. PeartI am concerned, but Conservative Members should have expressed their concern by action before I ever became Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I believe that what we are doing will remedy the situation which we inherited. I am satisfied that we shall get the necessary veterinary people.
§ Mr. WigginWill the right hon. Gentleman give consideration to the employment of private practitioners to make up the deficiency in the State veterinary service? Will he consider the idea of maintaining a skeleton staff only to advise him and his top officers and to employ private practitioners to do the greater part of the routine work?
§ Mr. PeartThe hon. Gentleman must know that what he is suggesting is completely impracticable. The State veterinary service is a State service. Obviously there is a place in the farming industry for the private veterinary service, but I am directly responsible for the State service.