§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now seek powers substantially to increase the cost of dog licences to deter ownership among those not prepared to care for their pets.
§ Mr. Peter MillsPowers are already available under the Local Government Act, 1966, but no changes are envisaged in the licensing arrangements while my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is engaged in the 409W consultations he is commencing with the local authority associations on dog problems generally, including the control of strays.