26. Mr. AdamsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the implications for animal health of the proposed closure of the Glasgow or Cambridge veterinary schools.
§ Mr. MacGregorMy concern is to ensure that sufficient qualified veterinarians are available. This is important among other things to meet the needs of my Department's veterinary service and to ensure that animal health requirements are enforced.
The recommendations of Sir Ralph Riley's report on veterinary education are not about the availability of veterinary manpower but concentrate on the structure of veterinary schools.
These matters are primarily for the Universities Funding Council and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science.
§ 42. Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received regarding the implications for the supply of veterinary surgeons for the agricultural industry of plans for the future of the United Kingdom veterinary schools.
§ Mr. MacGregorI have received representations from the veterinary profession on this subject.