Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
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Originally from – http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2004/041129a.htm

CONSULTATION SUPPORTS MOVES TO TURN THE STATE VETERINARY SERVICE INTO AN EXECUTIVE AGENCY

A programme to turn the State Veterinary Service into an Executive Agency has received broad backing from the public.

Analysis of responses to a consultation that started in July, has concluded there is firm support for the process that would come into being on 1 April 2005.

Respondents said animal health and welfare needs should drive the developments and working practices of the new agency. Some asked for closer participation as the agency takes shape, hoping the views and experiences of customers would be taken into account.

Animal Health and Welfare Minister, Ben Bradshaw, said: "The consultation exercise has been extremely valuable in helping us to decide on the best way forward for the State Veterinary Service. Our decision to create an Executive Agency has been generally supported and I have therefore decided to continue with the programme to launch the new agency on 1 April 2005.

"I believe this will help further the aims of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy towards developing a new partnership in which we can make a lasting and continuous improvement in the health and welfare of kept animals while protecting society, the economy and the environment from the effect of animal diseases. We are pledged to working with all customers and stakeholders, listening to their concerns and their counsel and taking their views into account as the agency takes shape."