Explanatory note

This Order, which is made under the European Communities Act 1972, amends the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 for the purpose of implementing those parts of articles 16, 17 and 18 of Council Directive 89/594/EEC^f1 which added new provisions to Council Directive 78/1026/EEC^f2 relating to the right of establishment of veterinary surgeons and their freedom to provide veterinary services.

Provision is now made to register the holder of a European qualification in veterinary surgery granted in a member State which that State treats as equivalent to the recognised European qualification. The holder must produce a certificate to that effect from that member State and the certificate must also state that the holder has been trained in accordance with Directive 78/1027/EEC^f3.

Small amendments are made to the recognised European qualifications in respect of Greece and Spain.