HC Deb 25 March 1976 vol 908 c620
16. Mr. Stainton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total number of officials from his Department who have right of access to agricultural land.

Mr. Peart

The number of officials of the Ministry who possess powers of entry to agricultural land is approximately 1,630. This figure does not include those veterinary surgeons in private practice who also possess these powers and receive fees from public funds for carrying out statutory duties.

Mr. Stainton

Although I acknowledge that animal and plant health requires supervision, as does the checking of capital grants, is there not a material difference between the answer given now by the Minister and the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super-Mare (Mr. Wiggin) on 10th February, that the total number was 2,110, representing 72 categories? Is it not alarming that there can be such a large difference between two replies? Will the Minister tell us what is the trend?

Mr. Peart

My reply did not include veterinary surgeons. In view of the complexity of agricultural legislation important to the working farmer, it is essential for various reasons to have an adequate inspectorate and officials able to give advice.