§ Mr. MuddTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many veterinary investigation centres are currently operated by his Department; and how many of these are currently under review as to their future retention.
§ Mr. MacleanThere are 19 veterinary investigation centres in England and Wales. The review of the veterinary investigation service was commissioned by the Minister with a view to improving the quality, efficiency and the cost effectiveness of the services provided by VI centres. As such the review considered the service as a whole. The report of this review has been submitted to Ministers but as yet no decision has been reached on any of the recommendations within the report.