Veterinary Surgeons Act - a new turn of events

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee of the House of Commons has now taken oral evidence for its inquiry into the need to replace the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

The President, the Senior Vice-President, the Chairman of the Veterinary Nurses Council and the Registrar appeared before the Committee on 18 February to be questioned about the College's proposals. The Minister, Lord Rooker, gave evidence on 3 March.

The Committee's views will not be known until it publishes its report. It is now clear, however, that the Government will not set in hand work on new veterinary legislation for the time being.

Lord Rooker told the Committee that resource constraints within DEFRA rule this out for the next three years. The Minister recognised that the College might wish to consider pursuing limited changes in the legislation through a Private Member's Bill.

Any member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords can promote such Bills, and they can become law if they are uncontroversial and the Government is supportive or at least neutral.

At its meeting on 5 March the RCVS Council took stock of the new situation and commissioned a review of the options open to the College.