HC Deb 15 July 1991 vol 195 cc34-5W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the nearest veterinary investigation centre to the Humber ports following the closure of the Lincolm veterinary investigation centre.

Mr. Maclean

Thirsk veterinary investigation centre.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations were carried out with local veterinary surgeons over the closure of Lincoln veterinary investigation centre.

Mr. Maclean

The review of the veterinary investigation service was an internal review. Initial discussions were held with the trade unions and during the review views were submitted from a number of interested parties including the British Veterinary Association and National Farmers Union. These views were carefully considered before any final decisions were taken. Subsequent to the announcement of the outcome of the review discussions have been held with the British Veterinary Association including a representative of the Lincolnshire division of the BVA. As I have explained, full discussions will be held with local veterinary surgeons on alternative arrangements for the submission of material to the veterinary investigation service and the proposed van service before the closure of the Lincoln VI centre.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the veterinary investigation centre quality control centre will remain at Lincoln veterinary investigation centre.

Mr. Maclean

The review of the veterinary investigation service recommended that the veterinary investigation service quality control unit currently accommodated at the Lincoln VI centre be relocated at an alternative site. The quality control unit will remain on the Lincoln site until the alternative accommodation is available next year.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give figures for all investigations the Lincoln veterinary investigation centre has carried out involving notifiable diseases.

Mr. Maclean

Responsibility for the investigation of notifiable diseases rests with the veterinary field service operating through the divisional veterinary officer and is not a responsibility of the veterinary investigation service.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many salmonella tests were carried out at Lincoln; and what proportion this was of all tests carried out by veterinary investigation centres.

Mr. Maclean

It is not possible to supply the specific information requested. The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for South Shield (Dr. Clark) on 20 June, at column258, and on 1 July, at column 74.