§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many vacancies there have been at the veterinary officer grade in each service in each of the last 10 years.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 18 May 1989]: The number of vacancies at veterinary officer grade in the Ministry's state veterinary service in each of the last 10 years is:
Number 1980 50 (9) 1981 40 (7) 1982 37 (2) 1983 42 (—) 1984 47 (1) 1985 61 (1) 1986 58 (3) 11987 21 (5) 1988 21½ (3) 1989 27½ (7) Notes:
(a) Figures in brackets relate to the veterinary investigation service, which is part of the state veterinary service.
1 Agricultural Development and Advisory Service economies and improvements in efficiency announced in 1986 included a reduction of posts in the state veterinary service.