HL Deb 10 April 2001 vol 624 c104WA
Lord Hardy of Wath

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the number of veterinary surgeons and the number of officials involved in agricultural support and advice employed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 1967, 1979 and at the end of 2000. [HL1356]

Baroness Hayman

The number of veterinary surgeons employed by the State Veterinary Service in 1967 could only be identified at disproportionate cost. The other information sought (full-time equivalents) is as follows:

1979–597.5

2001–286.0*

The numbers of MAFF officials involved in agricultural advice and support could also only be identified at disproportionate cost.

*The State Veterinary Service currently employs as a permanent staff 286 veterinary surgeons, of whom 220 are field veterinary officers.