§ Lord HARLECHMy Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in the Order Paper in my name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, when the promised Bill to legalize the right to practise by graduates of universities within Great Britain obtaining a degree in a faculty of Veterinary Science will be introduced; whether this right to practise by graduates of universities named in the Second Loveday Report; and what steps the Government now propose to take to ensure for this country and the Colonial dependencies an increased supply of qualified veterinarians for teaching, research, Government administration and private practice.]
§ The JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE and FISHERIES (THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON)My Lords, on April 1, 1946, in another place, my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture announced the intention of the Government to introduce as soon as possible legislation dealing with veteninary education and allied matters. The Bill will be introduced as soon as circumstances permit. Its main purpose will be to provide much greater facilities for the training of highly qualified veterinary surgeons, who would practise in this country and in the British Commonwealth. Legislation will 912 not restrict training to any specified universities.
§ LORD HARLECHMy Lords, while thanking the noble Earl for that reply, I should like to ask whether he can give any clear indication as to when we shall be able to see at any rate the first part of this legislation, which was promised more than a year ago. In view of the fact that the shortage of qualified veterinarians is getting more and more serious overseas, as well as in this country, can the noble Earl do something to expedite the empowering of further universities, other than those already having veterinary faculties, to start them?
§ THE EARL OF HUNTINGDONMy Lords, we are fully aware of the urgency of this problem, and every possible step is being taken to expedite the matter. We hope to introduce legislation at the earliest possible moment, but I am afraid that owing to the pressure of work I cannot indicate a definite time for its introduction.
§ LORD HARLECHCan the noble Earl give any indication as to whether it will be introduced this Session, before we part in July?
§ THE EARL OF HUNTINGDONThe noble Lord will be aware that we are now in the middle of a most difficult and congested programme, which is complicated by the crisis. It is not possible, therefore, for me to give a clear indication as to the time of introduction of the legislation in question.
§ EARL DE LA WARRWould the noble Earl consider with the Minister whether it would be practicable for the Bill to be introduced into this House, so that it could receive at least a preliminary discussion.
§ THE EARL OF HUNTINGDONI will certainly take notice of what the noble Earl says, and will refer the matter to my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture.