§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement about the restructuring of veterinary investigation centres and their management.
§ Mr. JoplingI have carefully considered the proposals for restructuring of veterinary investigation centres in the light of the many comments received from interested organisations and individuals. In addition, we have undertaken a detailed investment 'appraisal of the recommendations made by the efficiency study.
Against this background, I have concluded that the Gloucester centre should be closed but with retention of the badger-tuberculosis unit. I confirm that Chester and Cardiff centres will be closed. Discussions on the future of the Moulton centre have taken place with Northampton county council to ascertain whether it would wish to take it over. It concluded that it did not wish to do so. Accordingly this centre will also be closed. I have also decided that it would be wrong to close both the Leeds and Lincoln centres, which would leave the large pig population in the area without adequate laboratory diagnostic facilities, and concluded that the best course would be to retain and enlarge the Lincoln centre and close that at Leeds. This represents a better option than establishing a new centre in the area.
2WOn further examination it is clear that closure of Truro, Starcross, Winchester and Wye centres with their replacement by two new centres would not be cost effective. I have therefore decided not to take any action in relation to these centres. The timing of the closures will require careful consideration and this is now being pursued with a view to implementation during the first half of next year.
Finally, I confirm that we shall be establishing a new and more centralised management structure for the veterinary investigations which I am confident will increase efficiency and enable the more effective deployment of available resources.