HC Deb 23 February 1959 vol 600 cc802-3
35. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Health what estimate he has made of the success of voluntary action, following official advice on the matter, in persuading customers not to bring dogs into premises in which food is sold; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. R. Thompson

While a voluntary scheme can perhaps never be completely effective, I think that the success achieved has been as great as would have followed any direct prohibition.

Mrs. Butler

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that food traders in Tottenham feel strongly that there should be some prohibitive regulation on this point and that the borough council has felt unable to introduce a byelaw because of the Minister's desire to rely on voluntary action? If he does not feel able to introduce a regulation, will he approve the introduction of byelaws by local authorities where this is felt to be necessary?

Mr. Thompson

I am a little doubtful just how far regulations would be effective in a case like this. Many members of the public would object to the restriction, the public health inspector could not always be there to look out for offences, and the shopkeeper could hardly be expected always to give information against his customers.