MPs Seek Assurances For Veterinary Labs In Wales
12 years ago
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29th March, 2012 09h42
The Welsh Affairs Select Committee has expressed concerns to Defra Minister Jim Paice MP about the impact of the proposed closure of veterinary laboratory facilities in Wales by the Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), following written and oral evidence from the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and other organisations.
The Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, David T C Davies MP, has written to the Minister stating that the potential impact of the proposals on the rural community of Wales should be taken into account and seeking clarification on a number of areas of concern.
The BVA submitted written evidence to the committee and was invited to give oral evidence on 29 November 2011.
Commenting, Carl Padgett, BVA President, said:
“Since AHVLA’s proposals to rationalise the veterinary laboratory services were first announced the BVA has expressed concern about the impact in Wales.
“We do recognise the significant financial pressures on the Government and on AHVLA but it is vital that any changes to our laboratory network are based on improving or maintaining the service, not simply cost cutting.
“We are very pleased that the Welsh Affairs Committee has taken on board so many of the concerns raised by our members through the BVA’s Welsh Branch.
“In particular, we are keen to hear Defra’s comments on the potential for delays in diagnosis and deterioration of samples during transportation. And we are pleased to see the Committee asking for an undertaking that post-mortem facilities in Wales will not be affected.
“Both the Welsh Affairs Committee and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee have made a strong case to the Government for an enhanced veterinary surveillance network and we support them wholeheartedly.”
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