Oral Answers to Questions

Gavin Shuker Excerpts

Thursday 3rd February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op)]

16. When she plans to announce proposals arising from her Department’s consultation on the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

[The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice)]

We are working closely with the Home Office, and we expect an announcement shortly regarding antisocial behaviour, in which the issue of dogs will be included.

[Gavin Shuker]

Members from across the House who have had serious dog attacks in their constituencies will welcome that answer. There are, however, serious concerns about the ability to implement any changes that come from the consultation, given the serious and deep cuts to the Department for Communities and Local Government and to neighbourhood policing. I would like the Minister to respond to that.

[Mr Paice]

I cannot pre-empt the announcements that the Home Office will make shortly. I assure the hon. Gentleman that the plan is not for massive additional public expenditure in dealing with this issue. He will have to await the proposals that will be published shortly.