asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent he is making new arrangements with regard to the appointment and activities of inspectors under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876; what steps he proposes to take with regard to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee appointed to advise on the future organisation of medical staffs employed in Government Departments; and if he will consult with organisations representing the veterinary profession, with a view to introducing amendments to the 1876 Act so as to provide for the participation of veterinary surgeons to carry out the work of inspecting animals used for experimental purposes.
The Report of the Committee on the Pay and Organisation of Civil Service Medical Staffs is still under consideration by the Government, but I am very willing to arrange discussions with the veterinary profession about the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876, and I have in fact already invited the British Veterinary Association to discuss their problems with officials of my Department.