§ Mr. SwinneyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the offices or agencies under his control which will be subject to L.2 of Head L in 503W Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998; how many people are currently employed in these offices; and what equal opportunities practices are adopted in these offices. [63795]
§ Mr. MorleyAs regards cross-border authorities, a list of these cannot be specified until appropriate subordinate legislation is made under the Act.
The State Veterinary Service (SVS) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has 15 offices in Scotland and employs 81 veterinary and animal health staff. These staff are covered by the Ministry's policy of equality of opportunity for all staff. The Ministry's network of Equal Opportunities Officers includes two Equal Opportunities Officers with Responsibility for matters arising for SVS staff in these grades.
The Veterinary Laboratory Agency employs 26 staff at its Lasswade Laboratory. These staff are covered by the Agency's equal opportunities policy which has been developed within the framework of the Ministry's overall policy. There is an Agency Equal Opportunities Officer with responsibility for matters arising for these staff.