§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to local authorities in establishing whether pet shop premises are suitable as respects(a) size, location, lighting, ventilation and cleanliness and (b) food and drink.
§ Mrs. Rumbold[holding answer 24 June 1991]: None; under section 4(1) of the Pet Animals Act 1951, local authorities are able to authorise qualified veterinary surgeons to inspect licensed premises, if professional guidance is needed in a particular case, or more generally.
§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will indicate the type and extent of veterinary training given to environmental health officers for the purposes of carrying out their functions under the Pet Animals Act 1951.
§ Mrs. Rumbold[holding answer 24 June 1991]: The training of environmental health officers in connection with any duties they may have under the Pet Animals Act 1951 is a matter for local authorities. As local authorities may appoint a veterinary surgeon to inspect licensed premises in their area or may seek veterinary advice subsequent to the inspection of premises by an official, there should be no difficulty in obtaining professional veterinary advice when necessary.