§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Attorney-General what was the total cost of collecting and administering dog licences in Northern Ireland in each of the years 1977–78, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81, 1981–82 and 1982–83; what was the total income from the sale of dog licences in Northern Ireland in these years; and how many dog licences were issued in Northern Ireland in each of these years.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralInformation for the years 1977–78 and 1978–79 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The following table gives information from 18 April 1979, the date on which responsibility for the licensing of dogs through magistrates' courts in Northern Ireland was transferred to the Northern Ireland Court Service. The licensing function is now undertaken by the magistrates' court staff and it is regretted that it is not possible to give a precise figure for the cost of collection and administration.
Year Cost of Collecting and Administering Licences (Estimated) Income from Sale of Licences Number of Licences Issued Number of Dogs Licensed (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) £ £ 1979–80 4,200 11,484 30,982 41,928 1980–81 6,000 13,853 36,973 50,777 1981–82 5,800 12,339 32,867 45,259 1982–83* 3,500 6,435 17,135 24,199 * Period 1 April 1982 to 31 Deceomber 1982.