§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many vets were employed at each third country border inspection post in the United Kingdom in each year since 1997. [153243]
§ Mr. Nick BrownEach third country Border Inspection Post (BIP) is under the authority of an official veterinarian who is responsible for carrying out veterinary checks on imports of live animals and animal products. One or more veterinary staff work at BIPs at any one time, according to workload. Checks at live animal BIPs are carried out by State Veterinary Service veterinary staff, assisted by technical and administrative staff from the local Animal Health Divisional Office. Checks at product BIPs are the responsibility of local authorities who employ the necessary veterinarians and support staff.