To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many veterinarians are currently employed in the State Veterinary Service; and if he will make a statement on the future of the State Veterinary Service with particular reference to his plans for a food standards agency; [11780](2) what plans he has to conduct open consultation with interested organisations in respect of proposed changes to the State Veterinary Service. [11781]

At 1 July 1997, the number of veterinarians employed in the State Veterinary Service within the direct line command of the chief veterinary officer was 306.15 full-time equivalents and includes permanent, fixed-term and casual appointees. This total excludes 13 veterinary posts recently transferred to the MAFF food safety and standards group on 2 June 1997 in preparation for the creation of a foods standards agency. It has been decided that the veterinary field service—the operational arm of the SVS—should not at present become an executive agency and I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Savidge) on 30 July, Official Report, column322. The Government's proposals for a food standards agency will be published in a White Paper in the autumn. The White Paper will provide interested bodies with a further opportunity to comment on the organisation and remit of the new agency, including any implications it may have for the State Veterinary Service.