To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received requesting a review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966; and if he will make a statement. [76618]

Both the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) have been seeking changes to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Orders made under it. These representations, which deal with the scope of the work which should be reserved to veterinary surgeons or which might be entrusted to paraprofessionals, have raised a number of issues that require serious consideration.