§ Mr. John Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is proposing to make changes in the existing policy in respect of fees charged for licensing pet shops, animal boarding and riding establishments, and zoological gardens in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. DunnAt present, licences issued under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 have an indefinite validity. Because of the rising costs of inspecting licensed premises, I am now considering introducing a system whereby such licences would have to be renewed annually on payment of a prescribed fee.