§ 19. Mr. CorbettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the duties of veterinaries employed by his Ministry.
§ Mr. MacleanThe state veterinary service has a wide range of duties including the control of animal disease of economic and public health significance, animal welfare and the import and export of live animals and their products.
They are also involved in food safety on the farm and in the slaughterhouse.
§ 80. Mr. McWilliamTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many veterinarians he employs within the state veterinary service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe state veterinary service currently employs 427 veterinary surgeons. It is likely that this number will increase particularly for food safety work including meat hygiene. This was recognised in the recent review of veterinary manpower under the chairmanship of Dr. Ewan Page.
§ 90. Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the operation of the state veterinary service.
§ Mr. MacleanSince its inception in 1865 the state veterinary service has dealt successfully with many outbreaks of farm animal disease of both economic and public health significance. It continues to do so today. In addition, its responsibilities include animal welfare and the import and export of live animals and their products. It also undertakes important research and development work.