§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the Competition Commission inquiry into the supply of prescription-only veterinary medicines; and if she will make a statement. [116730]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Competition Commission's recommendations and proposed remedies are intended to lead to greater choice and price transparency for animal owners, to increase competition in the market for veterinary medicines while ensuring that we continue to protect both human and animal health.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked the Office of Fair Trading to consult with relevant parties on the appropriate terms of orders to implement the Commission's remedies under the Fair Trading Act 1973.
The regulatory controls relating to the supply of veterinary medicines in the UK are the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is currently considering the Competition Commission's recommendations relating to the veterinary medicines regulatory system. The Government will publish its response by 10 July 2003.
§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry with which bodies she has had discussions on the recommendations contained in the Competition Commission Report, Veterinary Medicines: A Report on the Supply Within the United Kingdom of Prescription-only Veterinary Medicines. [116106]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked the Office of Fair Trading to consult with relevant parties on the appropriate terms of orders to implement the Commission's remedies under the Fair Trading Act 1973. These include the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the British Veterinary Association, and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association. After the OFT have reported back, my right hon. Friend will then consult publicly on the terms of the orders.