I have set the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) the following Performance Targets for 2007-08.

1. To authorise veterinary medicines according to legislative requirements and published standards and monitor reports of suspected adverse reactions to identify emerging trends and take appropriate action.

2. To ensure that UK policy objectives are reflected in EC legislation and guidance and that UK legislation and guidance enables veterinary medicines to be used responsibly, effectively and safely.

3. To ensure the regulatory system is effective and contributes to protecting public health by taking risk-based action on the findings from surveillance of residues in food-producing animals.

4. To ensure that the appropriate infrastructure is in place to achieve targets 1, 2 and 3 and provide value for money and VMD achieves full cost recovery.

Further details are given in the VMD Business Plan for 2007-08, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2007-04-27a.29WS.5