Dog Identification (Hansard, 25 October 1999)

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies his Department has commissioned regarding the long-term effects of implanting microchips in animals for the purpose of identification; and if he will make a statement. [94890]

§ Mr. Hill
The Dog Identification Group, which my Department set up, is considering all the issues relating to dog identification including that of micro-chipping. No decisions will be taken until we have fully considered the report of the Group.
676W
the current level of bridge tolls for buses, indicating the percentage differential with tolls for cars on the same journey. [94921]

§ Mr. Hill
The following list shows the current toll levels for cars and buses on toll bridges in England for which the Secretary of State has a statutory responsibility, as Highway Authority or for the determination of the level of tolls. The percentage differential between the toll level for cars and buses is shown:

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to bring forward legislation on dog identification; and if he will make a statement. [94891]

§ Mr. Hill
A Dog Identification Working Group has been set up by my Department to produce a report to reflect a consensus view on all the available options for dog identification. No decisions will be taken until we have fully considered the report.

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to offer dog owners a choice in the method by which they identify their animals, pursuant to the report by the Dog Identification Group. [94888]

§ Mr. Hill
The Dog Identification Working Group will produce a report to reflect a consensus view on all the available options for dog identification. No decisions will be taken until we have fully considered the report.

§ Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the report of the Dog Identification Working Group. [94889]

§ Mr. Hill
The Dog Identification Group has been set up by my Department to report on the available options for dog identification. The report will be made public on its completion during the course of next year.