Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the (1) British Veterinary Association, and (2) Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, about possible diminution of veterinary care in veterinary companies owned by private equity firms concerned with maximising profits instead of making animal health and welfare their first consideration.

Anyone practising as a veterinary surgeon, regardless of the ownership of the practice, needs to be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and has a duty to provide care ensuring that animal health and welfare is their first consideration. Any concerns about the ownership or commercial practices of businesses should be directed to the Competition and Markets Authority.