§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the system of dog licences in Northern Ireland.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Peter Bottomley)District councils license dogs.
§ Mr. BennettDoes the Minister agree that the system in Northern Ireland has been working very well and has been encouraging responsible dog-ownership and discouraging irresponsible dog-ownership? Will he recommend that Ministers responsible for the mainland of the United Kingdom introduce that system throughout to the whole of the United Kingdom instead of simply having it in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. BottomleyI brought the Minister responsible for rottweilers to Northern Ireland to consider that system and other things, but she was moved and became Minister for Health. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will be able to see the information about the experience in Northern Ireland. However, the system there is not necessarily applicable here.