§ Sir R. GLYNasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) when the last survey of veterinary services in England and Wales was made; and whether he is satisfied that there is an adequate number of veterinary surgeons established throughout the country qualified to assist breeders of livestock, bearing in mind that many of these are small occupiers unable to afford to pay a high fee;
(2) whether he will consider the appointment of a committee to ascertain whether veterinary services could be made available to agriculturists by means of a scheme similar to that of national health insurance and panel doctors, so that for a fixed contribution farmers and 1761W smallholders could obtain assistance of a qualified veterinary surgeon at uniform rates?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNo formal inquiry of the kind mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend has, so far as I am aware, taken place; and there is no evidence of a general desire for a scheme for an assisted veterinary service on the lines suggested. The Ministry is able to keep in touch with the position and it does not appear that there is any serious shortage in the number of veterinary practitioners; while I am informed that the number of students at the veterinary schools is at present increasing. In the circumstances I feel that no advantage is likely to be served by appointing a committee as suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.