§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Meat Hygiene Service takes to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest affecting the work of Official Veterinary Surgeons. [122046]
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§ Ms Stuart[holding answer 15 May 2000]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that, all official veterinary surgeons (OVSs) working on behalf of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) are contractually obliged to avoid any conflicts of interest. Any allegations of potential conflicts will be fully investigated by the MHS and appropriate action taken.
In addition to this, all OVSs have to be Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and as such are bound by the stringent ethical obligations placed upon them by their professional Codes of Practice.