HL Deb 22 May 2000 vol 613 cc70-2WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the quality of Spanish veterinary surgeons whom the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is, by European Union law, required to register is satisfactory; and what effect the employment of Spanish veterinary surgeons has upon the quality of service offered by the Meat Hygiene Service to abattoir owners and managers in the United Kingdom. [HL2294]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)

The Veterinary Training Directive, 78/1027/EEC, lays down the content and quality of veterinary undergraduate training in recognised establishments in the Europen Union, with the aim of ensuring that all those graduating from such establishments are trained to an adequate standard.

In the United Kingdom, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is obliged to register veterinary surgeons who have qualified from such recognised educational establishments. This is a reciprocal arrangement required by Directive 78/10126/EEC, on the mutual recognition of qualifications in veterinary medicine.

Once a Spanish veterinary surgeon is registered by the RCVS, and is practicing veterinary surgery in the United Kingdom, his conduct and behaviour is governed by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (as amended). The Act gives disciplinary powers to the RCVS. In addition, the College publishes a Guide to Professional Conduct, most recently revised in March 2000. This document provides guidance to veterinary surgeons on professional and ethical issues.

We are advised by the Food Standards Agency that the use of Spanish veterinary surgeons by the Meat Hygiene Service has no effect upon the quality of service it provides to abattoir owners and managers in Great Britain. Apart from the requirement for such veterinarians to be registered with the RCVS, the overriding criterion for designation as an Official Veterinary Surgeon (OVS) with the Meat Hygiene Service is the ability and competence of the individuals concerned, not the country of origin. All qualified veterinary surgeons wishing to be designated as OVSs must first successfully complete the MHS OVS course.