Dogs (Hansard, 21 May 1981)

§ 8. Mr. Myles
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the control of dogs in the countryside, having particular regard to the problems of sheep worrying.

§ Mr. Wiggin
Apart from inquiries from hon. Members, including requests for statistics of livestock losses, there have been representations from the National Farmers Union about the need for improved control of dogs in the countryside.

§ Mr. Myles
Will my hon. Friend use his powers under the Local Government Act 1966 to introduce a better system of dog identification, which would be a great help in contributing to the overall control of dogs?

§ Mr. Wiggin
As my hon. Friend knows, there has been an interdepartmental working party on dogs and all the problems that go with them. The Government are still considering its report.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell
Will the Government ensure that any measures introduced to deal with the problem are on a United Kingdom basis?

§ Mr. Wiggin
The Government are still considering the interdepartmental report. I am sure that that point will be taken into account.

§ Mr. McQuarrie
Will my right hon. Friend accept that the answer to the whole problem of dog control is to implement the terms of the 1976 report, increase the dog licence fee and have a proper dog licensing system?

§ Mr. Wiggin
I must repeat that the Government are still considering the report.