§ 2.48 p.m.
§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYMy 1330 Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of recurring complaints about the wellbeing and condition of many animals sold as pets in market places, and whether they will introduce a Bill, or give facilities to a Private Member's Bill, to amend the Pet Animals Act 1951 (Section 2) to ban the selling of animals as pets from stalls or barrows in a street or public place.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, HOME OFFICE (Lord Belstead)My Lords, we are not aware of complaints about street markets in general, but we have received a number of representations about a market in the district of Tower Hamlets known as Club Row. I understand that the local authority concerned is taking steps to improve conditions there. The Government have no plans to amend the Pet Animals Act 1951.
§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYMy Lords, in my Question I asked the Minister whether he would facilitate a Private Member's Bill to amend the 1951 Act if it were introduced. May I have an answer to that? I am very anxious to oblige the noble Lord, if he will.
§ Lord BELSTEADMy Lords, as I tried to make clear in my reply, the Government consider that the local authorities already have sufficient power, and it is for the local authorities to enforce the law. Of course, if the noble Lord has any particular plans in mind which he wants to put into legislative form, then, as I think he knows, we would always be very ready to discuss those with him and my right honourable friend's department.
§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYMy Lords, is the Minister aware that, if I did so, I should merely be following the attempt made by the late Sir Ronald Russell to do it 11 years ago?
§ Lord BELSTEADI do not think I can add much more, my Lords, except to 1331 say that my information at the moment is that I do not think that would be necessary.