§ 70. Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of staff for whom the Chief Veterinary Officer of his Department is responsible; and whether arrangements can now be made for him to enjoy the same status as the second secretary.
§ Mr. CollickThe chief veterinary officer is responsible for about 560 full-time professional and technical staff, and also for about 1,070 part-time local veterinary inspectors. The reply to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir."
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§ 71. Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Minister of Agriculture when he anticipates it will be possible to reach an agreed settlement for the salaries and status of the veterinary staff of his Department.
§ Mr. CollickDiscussions are still proceeding with the N.V.M.A., and I cannot say when a settlement is likely to be reached, though I hope that it will be fairly soon.
§ 72. Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will take steps to bring the salary scales for the veterinary officers of his Department into line with the other scientific services of the Government; and if he will arrange that the Government's chief veterinary officer shall receive a salary not substantially less than the Government's chief medical officer.
§ Mr. CollickNo, Sir. The revised scales for veterinary staff now under discussion with the N.V.M.A. have been framed in relation to those of other professional and scientific civil servants. As regards the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend does not consider that the responsibilities of the chief veterinary officer are comparable with those of the chief medical; officer.