§ Ms SouthworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he intends to carry forward the recommendations of the Dog Identification Group on the permanent identification of dogs. [141619]
§ Mr. HillThe Dog Identification Group Report was submitted to me in September. After careful consideration, and discussions with my colleagues in the devolved Administrations, and in other Government Departments which also have responsibilities for dogs, I have decided to put the DIG recommendations out to consultation so that all those with an interest in dogs can make their views known. The Group has recommended a voluntary scheme for the permanent identification of dogs by either microchip or tattoo. The Report will be published tomorrow and copies will be laid in the Libraries of both Houses. The Report will also be put on the DETR website. The consultation will run until 31 March 2001.