§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is now in a position to make a statement on the report of the committee which recently investigated problems in the State Veterinary Service; and if he will make copies of the report available to Members.
§ Mr. GodberDiscussion of various factors affecting career management of 287W my veterinary staff are now in progress with the Civil Service Department and the appropriate staff association on the basis of a recent study by an informal working party set up at official level by my Ministry's establishment department. There is no formal report of a kind which it would be appropriate for me to make available to hon. Members.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many veterinary officers have left, and how many have joined, the State Veterinary Service since 1st January 1969; and if he will give the ages of these officers.
§ Mr. GodberThe numbers of professional staff recruited to and lost from the veterinary field service, the veterinary laboratories and the veterinary investigation centres since 1st January 1969 are given below in age groups.
Age group Number recruited Number Left 20–24 2 1 25–29 40 8 30–34 31 8 35–39 21 11 40–44 9 7 45–49 11 3 50–54 8 13 55–59 1 6 60 and over — 69 123 126* * Includes 6 officers transferred from the State Veterinary Service to ADAS management posts.