§ 23. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now introduce legislation to prevent the use of uncontrolled guard dogs in Scotland.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy right hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Home Secretary have carefully examined the position in the light of the information made available by the police and have concluded that they would not be justified in proposing special measures of control.
§ Mr. HughesCan the Minister tell the House how many children require to be maimed and/or killed before he feels that action is justified?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe hon. Gentleman ought to get this into perspective. I am sure that all hon. Members regret the incidents that have occurred but it must be remembered that guard dogs are responsible for only a relatively small proportion of attacks upon people by dogs. We have fully consulted the information available and taken the advice of the police on this matter.
§ Mr. Ronald King MurrayIf the hon. Gentleman will not introduce such legislation will he consider the possibility of reforming the law of Scotland so as to impose an absolute liability upon dog owners for injury or damage caused by their dogs? Is he aware that is done in certain foreign countries, and dog owners cover their liability by a small premium of about £4 a year?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThis raises an important issue which goes very much wider than the original Question. I am sure that the hon. and learned Gentleman is aware that this is a point which should almost certainly be considered by the Scottish Law Commission in the context of its general review of the law of obligation. I am sure he would agree that that is the right place for it to be discussed and I hope the Commission will pay attention to it.