asked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the new programme for increasing the livestock population of the country, what steps he proposes to take to ensure a more rapid development of veterinary education in this country; and whether, in this connection, he can give an assurance that legislation will shortly be introduced to deal with the activities of unqualified veterinary practitioners and other related matters.

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a statement I made on 1st April, 1946, from which he will see that the Government recognise the need for improved facilities for veterinary education, and for dealing with veterinary practice by unregistered persons. I am, however, unable to say at present when it will be possible to introduce legislation.

Will my right hon. Friend consult with the Minister of Labour to see whether unlicensed veterinary practitioners could not be directed to the engineering industry, to produce the machinery in order to import maize, which is waiting in Yugoslavia?

That is an entirely different question.