§ Mr. CallaghanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the reviews of the state veterinary service he has undertaken over the last 10 years; in which year each review was carried out; and if he will make a statement. [35058]
§ Mrs. BrowningReviews of the state veterinary service—SVS—initiated by the Minister over the past 10 years are:1989-Next steps initiative
This resulted in the Central Veterinary Laboratory—CVL—separating from the state veterinary service and being established as a next steps agency in 1990.
1990—Review of the investigation service
The outcome was a reduction in a number of centres from 19 to 13 + one veterinary inspection unit.
1993—Review of the animal health and veterinary group (which included the SVS)
As a result of this review, the veterinary investigation service merged with the CVL in October 1995, as an enlarged agency—Veterinary Laboratory Agency—and the veterinary field service has undergone a structural reorganization.
Throughout, the Government have ensured that their commitment to preserving the front-line resources and capabilities of the state veterinary service has been maintained.