Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many veterinary surgeons are employed by the Government in Northern Ireland; what was the number five and 10 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the adequacy of the supply to deal with problems arising from bovine spongiform encephalopathy. [28851]
§ Mr. AncramThe number of veterinary surgeons employed by the Government in Northern Ireland at April 1996 is 135, compared with 114 at April 1991 and 103 at April 1986.
The number employed is adequate to deal with present problems arising from BSE.