The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will place in the Library of the House copies of appointment letters for all Official 251WA Veterinary Surgeons and Meat Hygiene Inspectors appointed by Ministers since the inception of the Meat Hygiene Service in 1995. [HL4404]
§ Baroness HaymanI have arranged for sample copies of the documents used for appointing Official Veterinary Surgeons and Meat Hygiene Inspectors to be placed in the Library of the House, along with a note explaining the appointment process. Copies of all appointment documents issued since 1995 could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether all official veterinary surgeons working directly for, or on contract to, the Meat Hygiene Service receive a formal letter of designation, signed by the Minister, once their competence to act as official veterinary surgeons is established followed by a formal letter of appointment as an authorised officer to a particular premises, also signed by the Minister in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995. [HL 4626]
§ Baroness HaymanAll Official Veterinary Surgeons (OVSs) working directly for, or contracted to, the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) receive formal letters of designation signed by the Minister (or a person authorised to sign on behalf of the Minister) once their competence to act as an OVS is established. The Minister also issues warrants of authorisation to designated OVSs which appoint OVS to licensed premises generally under Regulation 8(1) of the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulation 1995. The appointments are not confined to particular named premises. However for the sake of clarity we are planning to tighten up the wording used. Similar arrangements apply in respect of the appointment of OVSs under The Poultry Meat, Farmed Game Bird Meat and Rabbit Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995.