§ Mr. William Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many dog licences had been taken out on the last date for which figures are available; and what his estimate is of the number of dogs in England and Wales.
§ Mrs. Fenner2,799,472 dog licences were issued in England and Wales in the year ended 31st March 1972. No departmental estimate of the dog population in England and Wales has been made.
§ Mr. William Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation making it mandatory for a person to be in possession of a licence before acquiring a dog.
§ Mrs. FennerMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is discussing the problem of stray dogs with the local authority associations. No change in the licensing arrangements is envisaged while these consultations are in progress.