HC Deb 07 May 1969 vol 783 cc434-5
15. Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many working dogs are employed by Her Majesty's forces in the United Kingdom; and what saving in the cost of feeding alone will result from the decision to feed them on canned meat.

Mr. Reynolds

Including those being trained, 758.

The main object of the change was to provide a better and consistent diet. Economy was not the primary aim, though there should be modest economies as canned meat is easier to store, handle and prepare.

Mr. Burden

Was the assessment of cost carried out before the recent increase due to 22½ per cent. purchase tax, and is it the Government's policy to feed working dogs on pet food?

Mr. Reynolds

Tenders will go out for the type of food which we require for these dogs. As the Ministry of Defence does not normally pay purchase tax on supplies for defence purposes, it makes no difference when the costing was done.

16. Mr. Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the working dogs employed by Her Majesty's forces in the United Kingdom are attached to establishments where there are catering units.

Mr. Reynolds

Many of the working dogs employed by Her Majesty's forces in the United Kingdom are at establishments where there are catering facilities. It is not possible to be more precise without detailed inquiry.

Mr. Burden

As their normal food, or the food upon which they have been fed in the past, will be available, was advice from veterinary inspectors or veterinary surgeons taken into consideration in the switch to pet food or tinned meat rather than the diet the dogs have been used to in the past?

Mr. Reynolds

The food which they have normally been having will no longer be available because it will not be purchased in future; it was fresh meat and other materials. A scale has been worked out for the amount of meat and other materials which dogs of different weights require. We are now applying that. There will be no wastage of food in establishments with catering facilities because any waste is sold as pig swill. If the hon. Gentleman wants the dogs to have that, he ought to look at what it does to the pigs.