DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref :
297/08) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 8 September 2008
Defra today
launches a consultation to decide the future status of the
Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), specifically whether it
should remain a Defra Executive Agency or be merged with another
body in accordance with Hampton Principles.
The VMD is one of 31 regulatory bodies that Philip Hampton in his
report 'Reducing Administrative Burdens: effective inspection
and enforcement', recommended be consolidated into seven
thematic regulators. Defra committed to consult stakeholders to
seek their views on the future status of the VMD in 2008.
The consultation will consider:
* whether the VMD should merge with another regulatory body and
if so, which one, or
* whether it should be retained as an Executive Agency of Defra.
The consultation will seek comments from a large number of
stakeholders to ascertain how merger or retention as an Executive
Agency will affect the VMD's customer service, ability to
deliver and provide value for money. Consultees will also be asked
to consider to what extent a merger would affect the achievement
of Hampton Principles and to suggest which regulatory body they
think most appropriate if a merger is recommended. The
consultation will run until 28 November 2008 and can be found at
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/vmd-future/index.htm
Notes to Editors
1. The VMD works to secure responsible, safe and effective use of
veterinary medicinal products. It aims to protect public health,
animal health, the environment and promote animal welfare by
assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines.
2. Regulators must have regard to the Hampton Principles when
delivering regulatory activity. These principles cover economic
progress, risk assessment, advice and guidance, inspections and
other visits, information requirements, compliance and enforcement
actions and accountability.
3. 'Reducing Administrative Burdens: effective inspection
and enforcement' can be found at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/7/F/bud05hamptonv1.pdf
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