§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received about the cost of farm medicines; and if she will make a statement. [137287]
§ Mr. BradshawFollowing earlier complaints about the cost of veterinary medicines from both farmers and other animal owners, MAFF Ministers referred the issue to the Office of Fair Trading. The Competition Commission then carried out an inquiry into the distribution of prescription only veterinary medicines in the UK. The Competition Commission published their Report on 11 April 2003 which included 9 remedies addressed to the Office of Fair Trading and 11 recommendations addressed to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The Government response to the Report was issued on 9 July 2003.
I met with representatives of the BVA on 9 September 2003 to hear their views on the Competition Commission's recommendations and I have received 8 letters following the Commission's Report from veterinary surgeons and veterinary organisations about the cost of farm medicines. The Competition Commission's recommendations that the Government has accepted are being implemented in consultation with interested parties.