§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with existing means for controlling the transmission of diseases by dogs and other pets to human beings.
§ Dr. OwenIn general I am satisfied since the indications are that such diseases are rare in proportion to the number of pets kept. But I am keeping the situation under review, particularly in relation to dogs. Minimising health hazards that might arise from dogs is one of many subjects currently being considered by an inter-departmental working party under the chairmanship of the Department of the Environment.