§ 2. Dr. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the 7s. 6d. levied on a dog licence is absorbed by administration; and what consideration he has given to the abolition of this tax.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Anthony Stodart)In England and Wales, slightly over 30 per cent. The arrangements are currently being reviewed.
§ Dr. GlynWhilst I thank my hon. Friend for that answer, does he appreciate that this tax has not been altered for nearly 100 years and that that 30 per cent. of it—half a crown—is divided between the Post Office, which collects it, the local authority, for whose benefit it is collected, and the police, who try to catch offenders and have to prosecute? Will he consider either increasing the tax to a proper level or abolishing it completely?
§ Mr. StodartThe matter is not solely within the responsibility of my Department, but the reasons which my hon. Friend has given are those which have caused the Government to review the whole matter.