§ Lord Inglewoodasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they believe that there should be closer co-ordination in the veterinary risk advice that is provided nationally by government and regionally through State Veterinary Service Animal Health Offices. [HL27]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Advice on veterinary risk is provided nationally by the Chief Veterinary Officer and his veterinary team, supported by outside expertise as necessary. The advice is applied by the State Veterinary Service in the field, taking account of circumstances on the ground. The SVS locally makes and applies local veterinary risk assessments to individual premises. Feedback from the field to the centre ensures that the national advice is kept under constant review. The Government believe that these arrangements provide for close co-ordination and consistent application of veterinary risk advice.