Veterinary Products Committee (Triennial Review)

Tuesday 7th January 2014 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson)]

Today I am publishing the report of the triennial review of the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC), which was launched by DEFRA’s then Minister of State on 26 March 2013. Triennial reviews of non-departmental public bodies (NDPB) are part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring accountability in public life.

The VPC is an advisory NDPB which reports to the veterinary medicines directorate (VMD), an Executive agency of DEFRA. The VPC exists to provide independent expert technical advice to Ministers in relation to aspects of veterinary medicinal products, in order that VMD’s remit can be fully achieved. The Committee requires very broad and also specialised expertise in order to be knowledgeable across the broad scope of issues the Committee may be asked to consider.

The review has found that the functions of the VPC remain necessary and should continue to be carried out independently of Government by an advisory non-departmental public body.

The report of this review will be published online, and copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.