§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what would be the problems and implications in preventing dogs from frequenting public parks and play areas used by children.
§ Mr. RaisonI have been asked to reply.
Local authorities in England and Wales have statutory powers to make byelaws prohibiting or restricting the bringing of dogs into parks and other open spaces. As the confirming authority for such bye-laws, my right hon. Friend is generally 469W prepared to agree to the exclusion of dogs from children's enclosed play areas; but proposals to exclude dogs from the whole of a park have to be considered in the light of all the local circumstances, including whether the park is in need of special protection and what other open spaces are available in the same area.