§ 21. Mr. Huntasked the Minister of Health whether he will now introduce legislation to ban dogs from all food shops.
§ Mr. LoughlinRegulations already require that food in shops should be kept out of reach of any risk of contamination, and my right hon. Friend does not at present think that it would be appropriate to legislate against one particular risk.
§ Mr. HuntIs it not rather unreasonable to put the onus on shopkeepers in this way when, as the hon. Gentleman will know, many of them are reluctant to take tough action for fear of antagonising their dog-owning customers? Therefore, is it not time that traders were backed up by the full force of the law? Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication when legislation is envisaged?
§ Mr. LoughlinWe do not want to take legislation on one particular risk. That is the reason that the words "at present" were used and emphasised in my answer. But there is a responsibility on shopkeepers to ensure that foodstuffs are kept free from contamination of any kind. Dogs are a risk of contamination and they ought to be kept out of shops.