§ Mr. David Walderasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial assistance, and in what form, is given by his Department to persons intending to qualify, or who are in the process of qualifying, as veterinary surgeons.
§ Mr. John SilkinIn general, no financial assistance is given by my Department to persons intending to qualify, or who are in the process of qualifying, as veterinary surgeons. Such students may, in common with students following other courses, apply to their local authorities for financial assistance. My Department operates a veterinary bursary scheme which enables selected members of its staff who are accepted by one of the veterinary colleges to study for a veterinary degree. These officers receive their normal salary whilst undergoing training, tuition fees, the cost of any necessary equipment and 50 per cent. of the cost of textbooks are borne by the Department. They much undertake to return to the Department for a period of at least five years after qualifying.
§ Mr. David Walderasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many veterinary surgeons are permanently employed' as such, or in other capacities, by his Department.
§ Mr. John SilkinOn 1st February 1978 there were 604 veterinary surgeons permanently employed in my Department. Of these, 599 were employed in the State Veterinary Service, and five were engaged on other duties.