§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prosecutions have taken place in relation to dog-fouling since the introduction of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information requested is not separately identifiable within the Scottish Office Home and Health Department's classification of crimes and offences.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent studies are available to him on the effects of dog-fouling on public health; whether any further studies are under way or planned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythStudies conducted in Glasgow in 1979 and Edinburgh in 1990 indicate that exposure to44W organisms excreted by dogs and other animals can cause infections in humans. The risk is greatest among pet owners and their families. I am not aware of any further studies currently under way or planned.