05 September 2000

VPC Open Forum

The Veterinary Products Committee (VPC), the committee which advises the Government on the authorisation of veterinary medicinal products will open its doors to the public at an Open Forum to be held in London on 20 September 2000. The forum will be an opportunity for interested members of the public to meet members of the and discuss their work. Last year, the VPC considered applications for the licensing of 87 products and also offered the Government advice on a range of related issues. Baroness Hayman, Minister of State at MAFF, welcomed the VPC's decision to hold the forum: "The Veterinary Products Committee performs an important role and this is an excellent chance for the public to find out more about what it actually does and how it formulates its advice. "This is part of a wider Government policy of greater openness and transparency and it has my full support." The Open Forum will begin with tea and coffee available from 2pm. It will then be opened at 2.30 pm and is scheduled to finish no later than 5pm. Contact Lea Stott of the VPC Secretariat, telephone 01932 338444, fax 01932 336618 or e-mail l.stott@vmd.maff.gsi.gov.uk