§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed closure of the veterinary laboratory at Lincoln on the efficiency of veterinary inspection in that area.
§ Mr. MacleanIn carrying out the review of the veterinary investigation service the review team carried out a full assessment of the impact of the closure of the Lincoln veterinary investigation centre on not only the Department's responsibilities in relation to statutory obligations, disease surveillance, public health and food safety matters, but on the maintenance of an effective and viable service to the local livestock industry. Final decisions were taken only after a very detailed consideration of the facts.
Responsibility for the work carried out at Lincoln is being transferred to the Sutton Bonington centre where additional accommodation, veterinary and scientific staff and increased investment in new technology are being provided. The quality control unit which operates on a national basis and is currently located at Lincoln is being relocated in new purpose-built accommodation at another centre.
As I indicated in my announcement of the outcome of the review, I am confident that the implementation of the recommendations of the review team will result in significant improvements in the quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the service provided. The veterinary 382W investigation service will be well equipped not only to meet our national needs over the years ahead but to continue to provide an efficient service to Lincolnshire.