HL Deb 30 April 1985 vol 463 cc120-1

2.58 p.m.

Baroness Elliot of Harwood

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they intend to take to implement the recommendations of the Efficiency Study of the Veterinary Investigation Service report.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced on 15th April his preliminary conclusions on the recommendations in this study. There is now to be a period for consultation with those concerned in the industry, the veterinary profession and the ministry's trade union side. I have arranged for a copy of the report to be deposited in the Library of your Lordships' House. In general, my right honourable friend endorses the main thrust of the report's recommendations, designed to reduce Exchequer costs and increase the efficiency of the service.

Baroness Elliot of Harwood

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. If these centres are cut, will the Government take account of the added expenses that will be incurred by farmers and vets, since they will have to travel much further to those places to which they are called? Will the further studies be completed before the centres are closed?

Lord Belstead

My Lords, I think that having to travel more miles has not, so it was found when the study was done, deterred farmers from travelling to the veterinary investigation centres. Nonetheless, my noble friend has raised an important point and for that reason I can certainly give her an assurance that there will now be consultations before any final decisions are reached.

Lord John-Mackie

My Lords, is the Minister aware that our animal health record is second to none in the world and that it would be a pity if the Government took any action as a result of this wide-ranging report, with its 35 recommendations, that impaired that record? I would emphasise what the noble Baroness said about travel distances when some of the 24 centres there are at present are closed.

Lord Belstead

My Lords, I agree entirely with the noble Lord. The Veterinary Investigation Service is highly regarded and valued by those who use it. The efficiency study is aimed at maintaining the service while providing better value for money for the taxpayer.

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