Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what encouragement has been given to local authorities in connection with the issuing of licences to keep dogs at guard dog kennels; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what encouragement has been given to local authorities to grant licences under the Guard Dogs Act 1975 to those persons who run or intend to run guard dog 427W kennels at premises within their area; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what general guidance he has given to local authorities concerning the prescribed conditions for the granting of licences to those persons who run or intend to run guard dog kennels at premises in the local government area; and if he will make a statement.
(4) how many local authorities have issued licences to person wishing to keep a guard dog at guard dog kennels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. SummerskillNone. The provisions of the Guard Dogs Act 1975 relating to the granting of licences by local authorities has not yet been brought into force.
Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to enforce existing provisions concerning the posting of notices at the entrances of premises containing a warning that a guard dog is present; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. SummerskillI am not aware that any difficulties have arisen in the enforcement of Section 1(3) of the Guard Dogs Act 1975, which deals with this matter.
Mr. Fred Evansasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the operation of the law contained in Sections 1(1) and 1(2) of the Guard Dogs Act 1975; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. SummerskillYes. But if my hon. Friend has a particular point in mind perhaps he will write to me about it.