§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many incidents of poisoned carcases being left in the open have been reported to his officials since 1 January 1990; in how many cases prosecutions resulted; and whether he will in due course, inform the hon. Member for Taunton of the outcome of his inquiries into the death through poison of a pet dog at Stoke St. Gregory, near Taunton.
§ Mr. SoamesSince January 1990 in England and Wales, 63 incidents involving poisoned carcases have been reported to the department. During the same period, five such cases have resulted in successful prosecution of the offenders. I will write to the hon. Member about the case to which he refers when investigations have been completed.