§ Mr. Lilleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is yet in a position to announce the Government's conclusions on the future arrangements for dog licensing in Great Britain.
§ Mr. RidleyThe dog licence fee costs about £3.5 million annually to collect, and raises less than £1 million. There is some support for the licence from those who are concerned that dog nuisance and dog control should be properly managed and funded. Local authorities are best placed to deal with this problem and we think it right that they should continue to do so. They have adequate existing powers and can make byelaws as necessary. National legislation providing safeguards for farmers whose livestock are worried by dogs will remain in place. In the 267W light of our proposals for the 1987–88 rate support grant settlement, local authorities will be able to accommodate any expenditure which they may judge to be necessary.
Accordingly, the Government have decided to introduce legislation to abolish the licence when a suitable opportunity arises.