HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc224-5W
63. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Minister of Agriculture the scale of salary of temporary veterinary officers taken on to deal with the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease; what is their total number; and how long their employment will continue.

Mr. Nugent

Temporary veterinary inspectors are paid a fee of 3½ guineas for each working day. There are eight of these officers still employed who were taken on initially for duties concerned with the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, but six of them are now engaged on other duties. My right hon. Friend cannot say how long it will be necessary to retain these officers.

64. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Minister of Agriculture his policy with regard to the employment of local veterinary inspectors in carrying out tuberculosis tests on cattle.

Mr. Nugent

Official tuberculin tests are carried out both by whole-time veterinary officers and part-time local veterinary inspectors paid by fee. Local veterinary inspectors are normally employed only for tests of herds of their own clients, but if a whole-time officer is not available they may carry out tests of other herds.