§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives to local authorities regarding the department in which the official with responsibility for animal welfare should be stationed; and what information he keeps on the number and location of those officials.
§ Mrs. RumboldLocal authorities have a number of officers with responsibilities for animal welfare who, in turn, have links with a number of Government448W Departments. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary does not issue guidance about how local authorities should allocate duties to their staff; nor is any central record held of the number or location of the staff concerned.