The Government recognises the Committee’s concern and partially accepts its recommendation. The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 came into power nearly sixty years ago, and the veterinary sector has changed substantially in this time. Defra continues to explore opportunities for legislative and non-legislative change that can help ensure that acts of veterinary surgery remain appropriately regulated and that our high standards of animal welfare continue to be upheld. A new Veterinary Surgeons Act is a significant undertaking. Parliamentary time has not yet been set aside for a new Act.