§ 45. Mr. Hickmetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what research his Department has carried out into environmental and other problems caused by dogs with reference to the fouling of footpaths, parks and other open spaces; and whether he has plans to introduce legislation providing for a national dog warden scheme.
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§ Mrs. RumboldHealth and environmental problems associated with fouling by dogs are well known as a result of academic research and other studies; my Department has undertaken no research into the problems. It is for local authorities to decide, in the light of local circumstances, whether dog wardens should be appointed. I understand that some 200 authorities in Great Britain employ wardens. We have no plans to introduce a national dog warden schemes.