§ [SECOND HEADING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ *LORD TWEEDMOUTHMy Lords, a good deal has been done in recent years to improve the status and morale of the veterinary profession, and this Bill is intended to be a step in that direction. At this moment there are two corporations who grant diplomas to veterinary surgeons—the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Highland Agricultural Society. The former has considerable disciplinary powers by which, in case of gross misconduct, they can withdraw their diploma from a veterinary surgeon. The Highland Agricultural Society do not possess such powers, and consequently, no matter how badly a man holding their diploma may behave, they cannot have it withdrawn. I will give your Lordships a single instance of what has taken place. A veterinary surgeon holding the Highland Agricultural Society's diploma insured a fictitious horse under a fictitious name, and then, in his own name, certified as to the soundness of the horse and afterwards certified as to its death. Then, in the fictitious name, he applied 1446 for the insurance money and got it. The insurance company, however, found him out, prosecuted him, and he was sentenced to three months imprisonment without the option of a fine. Notwithstanding this he is practising at this moment with the diploma of the Highland Agricultural Society. The object of this Bill is to give the latter society power to withdraw diplomas in such cases. The powers are carefully guarded, and the Bill has passed through the other House of Parliament.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be read a second time."—(Lord Tweedmouth.)
*LORD BALFOUR, OF BURLEIGHThe noble Lord has described the object of this Bill. It will effect its purpose, and I hope the House will give it a Second Reading.
§ On Question agreed to, Bill lead 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the whole House on Monday next.