§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when representatives of his Department last met the British Veterinary Association to discuss the work of local veterinary inspectors; what matters were discussed; and when he anticipates a further meeting taking place.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythNo such meetings have taken place and none is planned. However, my officials are closely following the discussions which are taking place between the British Veterinary Association and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received against proposals to put work done by local veterinary inspectors out to tender.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythLetters have been received from two hon. Members following approaches made to them by the north of Scotland division of the British Veterinary Association and an individual practitioner.
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§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total cost to his Department's Department of Agriculture of paying fees to local veterinary inspectors in each of the past 10 years.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythFees and other expenses due to local veterinary inspectors in Scotland, as elsewhere in Great Britain, are borne by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, not by my Department. However, I am advised that the sums involved in the years for which information is available were as follows:
Year Fees1 Travel and subsistence £ £ 1981–82 1,317,894 81,694 1982–83 1,342,120 121,175 1983–84 1,461,200 126,825 1984–85 1,560,455 125,825 1985–86 1,341,155 133,219 1986–87 1,574,692 136,189 1 Including earnings related National Insurance contributions.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local veterinary inspectors are currently retained by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Scotland; and how many there were in 1985, 1980 and 1975.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe responsibility for appointing local veterinary inspectors in Great Britain rests with the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, acting jointly. The number of local veterinary inspectors currently retained in Scotland is 508. This compares with 510 and 429 in 1985 and 1980 respectively. Comparable information for 1975 is not available.