§ 2. Miss Fookesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ask the welfare division of the State Veterinary Service to publish a quarterly account of its activities.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Gavin Strang)The annual report of the Chief Veterinary Officer already describes the animal welfare activities of the State Veterinary Service. We doubt whether the expense involved in producing more frequent reports would be justified.
§ Miss FookesIn that case, will the Parliamentary Secretary undertake to give in the annual report the precise number of visits undertaken on a routine basis to ensure the welfare of animals in various establishments?
§ Mr. StrangWe make specific visits to farms to investigate the welfare of the livestock. In addition, our veterinary staff look into the welfare problems of farms when visiting them for other reasons. We keep a record of specific visits. I shall give consideration to the hon. Lady's request.