To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to introduce legislation for the establishment of a national registration and licence system for dogs.

We do not agree that the main problems caused by dogs would be solved by a national dog registration scheme, though consideration is being given to alternative schemes to deal with straying and fouling. Our proposed solutions are set out in the consultation paper "Action on Dogs" issued in August. Controls on dangerous dogs have already been significantly strengthened by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1989.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to introduce legislation relating to dog registration; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. McAllion).