Written question asked by Owen Paterson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 29 October 1999. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Friday, 29 October 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what discussions he has had with (a) the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and (b) the British Veterinary Association concerning the English language skills of foreign-trained veterinary surgeons seeking employment in this country.

Answer: Mr. Paterson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with (a) the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and (b) the British Veterinary Association concerning the English language skills of foreign-trained veterinary surgeons seeking employment in this country. [88294] Ms Quin: I can confirm that the Minister and appropriate officials have regular contact with representatives of both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is obliged to register Veterinary Surgeons who have qualified from recognised establishments within the European Union. This is a reciprocal arrangement. Veterinary Surgeons who have qualified from non-European Union non- recognised establishments are required to pass a written examination (in English) before they can be registered with the college. Registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is a pre-requisite to practising veterinary surgery.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 88294; 336 c1044W;336 c1045W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: English language Migrant workers Veterinary medicine Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons British Veterinary Association