§ Mr. P. COLLINSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the demand by farmers that dogs kept by them for the purposes of guarding livestock and the destruction of vermin should, as in the case of sheep dogs, be exempt from licence; and whether, for the safeguarding of animals, poultry, and food from the ravages of rats and other depredators, he will consider the desirability of providing for the necessary exemption from the tax?
Mr. GRAHAMThis is a matter which primarily concerns the local authorities,1806W to whom the proceeds of these dog licence duties go in relief of local taxation, but as at present advised I fear that I cannot undertake to give favourable consideration to the change suggested in the question.