§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all the animals, farmed, domestic and wild on which his veterinary investigation centre will carry out post-mortem examinations, giving for each type of animal the current cost of each examination and whether the cost is borne by(a) farmers, (b) the Ministry or (c) some other party; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 21 July 1989]: The Ministry's veterinary investigation service carries out post-mortem examinations for a range of animals for different purposes. The cost of examining a particular carcase varies according to its size and the detail of the examination required. Indicative costs, however, can be taken as those shown in the table for chargeable laboratory diagnosis.
(a) Chargeable Laboratory Diagnosis
A diagnosis service is provided for veterinary surgeons in private practice. Species covered include any farmed species of bird, fish or mammal. Charges are made to the veterinary surgeon or, in the case of fish or birds, the owner. Current charges, based on average costs and excluding VAT, are:
Per carcase Per batch £ £ Birds, small mammals and fish 10.00 15.00 Calves, sheep, goats and pigs 17.00 25.00 Yearling and adult cattle 30.00 — Other animals would be charged according to size.
(b) Statutory measures to protect the health of livestock
This covers the Ministry's work in preventing and controlling disease. Species examined could include any bird, fish or mammal except man. Costs are borne by the Ministry.(c) Measures to protect public health
As part of our work in protecting public health from zoonoses, examinations may be carried out on any kind of mammal (except man), any four-footed beast which is not a mammal or birds of any species. Costs are borne by the Ministry.(d) Post registration surveillance of agricultural chemicals
Under the wildlife incident investigation scheme any free living bird, mammal (except man) or companion animal (that is, dogs, cats etc.) may be submitted for examination for the presence of chemical residues. Costs are borne initially by the Ministry and recovered from chemical manufacturers from fees paid for pesticide registration.