To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy now to seek a legislative opportunity to have dog mess classified as litter: and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 29 June 1992]: Classifying dog mess as litter would not permit prosecution of owners who allowed their dogs to foul. Local authorities already have the ability to make byelaws in respect of dog fouling and many authorities have taken such powers. However, we are considering whether further legislation on the subject of dog fouling would be appropriate.