§ Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of dogs in England, Scotland and Wales; and how many of these are or should be covered by a dog licence.
§ Mr. MarksIt is estimated that there are about 5.5 million dogs in England, Scotland and Wales and that, during the financial year 1976–77, licences were taken out for about 60 per cent. of this total dog population.
Dogs for which licences were not taken out would include an unknown number in respect of which exemptions are provided under the Dog Licences Act 1959.