§ 25. Sir Richard Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to prohibit the export of puppies not accompanied by the owner unless it can be proved that they are over three months old.
§ Mr. John MackieNo, Sir.
§ Sir Richard GlynIs the Minister aware that there is considerable public anxiety about the mass export of very young puppies, especially when unaccompanied? Has he not had representations from the Kennel Club and other bodies? Will he look at this matter again.
§ Mr. MackieYes, Sir. We are looking at the whole subject. The hon. Member's Question, however, concerns puppies over three months of age. As he well knows, it is difficult to know the age of a puppy until its incisor teeth come through, which is usually between four and a half and six months of age.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhy not leave the puppies at home and export the owners?