§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many staff at the Central Veterinary Laboratory are qualified veterinarians; and how many such qualified veterinarians he expects to be in post on 1 January 1990;
(2) how many staff are currently employed at the Central Veterinary Laboratory; and how many he expects to be in post on 1 January 1990.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe number of permanent staff in the professional, scientific, technical, industrial and administrative grades currently employed at the Central Veterinary Laboratory is 573½. Of these, 46 are qualified veterinarians. Some additional posts are being created to deal with work on salmonellosis, but future staffing levels will need to reflect the proposals and other matters dealt with in my reply of 21 March to the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell) on agricultural and food research and development, as well as future demand for ADAS chargeable services.