§ Mr. Peter Lloydasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what statutory powers are presently available to local authorities to control the fouling of public footpaths by dogs; whether he considers that these powers are sufficient; and if not, whether he will bring forward proposals to strengthen them.
§ Mr. RaisonLocal authorities in England and Wales have powers to make byelaws for this purpose under the Public Health Act 1875, the Open Spaces Act 1906 and the Local Government Act 1972. I consider that these powers are sufficient to enable such restrictions as are reasonable to be imposed.