§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Department has made of the likely demand on a national basis, for veterinary graduates in the future; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonSir Michael Swann's committee of inquiry into the veterinary profession recommended in 1975 that the manpower needs of the profession should be reviewed by the Government at intervals of approximately five years. The last review, chaired by Lord Stodart of Leaston, recommended in 1985 that the annual intake of students by veterinary schools between 1986 and 1990 should be 302 per annum.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science and I are currently considering whether to carry out another review.