asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in each of the years 1971, 1976 and 1981, how many dogs were licensed; and what was the licence fee paid.
The number of dogs licensed in England in each of the financial years concerned, at a fee of 37½p each, was as follows:
| Year | Numbers |
| 1970–71 | 2,604,316 |
| 1975–76 | 2,510,755 |
| 1980–81 | 2,479,450 |
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out the value of the dog licence, adjusted for inflation, since it was set at its present level.
I am advised by the Central Statistical Office that, in terms of purchasing power, an estimate for the corresponding amount today might be in the region of £10.
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations have been made to him concerning the level of the dog licence fee; and if he will make a statement.
I have received a number of letters this year, most, but not all, advocating an increase in the licence fee. The Government have no plans at present to increase the fee in Great Britain.