§ Lord Seafordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider the training undertaken by Spanish veterinary practitioners sub-contracted to the Official Veterinary Service to be of sufficient standard for the responsibilities devolved on them; and what steps they are taking to control any failure to discharge those responsibilities. [HL4403]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)All official veterinary surgeons (OVSs), including those with a degree in veterinary medicine obtained in Spain, must be members or fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and be entitled to practice as veterinary surgeons in the UK. Additionally, prior to designation by Ministers, they must have attended an OVS training course, approved by agriculture departments, obtained practical experience and been assessed by the course organiser as competent to enforce the legislation and communicate effectively.
Should any failure occur in an OVS's ability to discharge his/her responsibilities, action is taken in line with the terms of the contract between the MHS and 95WA the contractor and may include compulsory retraining; exclusion from certain premises; cancellation of contracts; recommendation of revocation of designation; and referral of cases to the RCVS.