§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what average number of hours per week is spent on veterinary surgeons in her Department in herd testing programme for Bovine TB; and if she will make a statement. [65469]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 1 July 2002]: Veterinary Officers of the State Veterinary Service (SVS) are supported by approximately 100 Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs). During the six-month period December 2001 to May 2002 these veterinary surgeons spent approximately 15 per cent. of their time on TB-associated duties.
In addition over 4,000 Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVIs) are eligible to carry out TB testing.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many veterinary surgeons in each regional office of her Department work on the herd testing programme for Bovine TB. [65470]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 1 July 2002]: The State Veterinary Service (SVS) comprises five regions and 23 divisions. Veterinary Officers of the SVS are supported by approximately 100 Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs). During the six-month period December 2001 to May 2002 these veterinary surgeons spent approximately 15 per cent. of their time on TB-associated duties.
In addition over 4,000 Local Veterinary Inspectors (LVIs) are eligible to carry out TB testing.
Provision of the number of veterinary surgeons who work on the bovine TB herd-testing programme, broken down by region. could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will list the pilot areas for the use of the gamma interferon test for bovine TB: [61606]
(2) when the use of the gamma interferon blood test for bovine TB commenced in pilot areas. [61607]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answers 19 June 2002]: Pilot areas have not yet been identified. The matter is currently being considered by our veterinary and scientific advisers.