Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will encourage local authorities to use Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme inspectors to (a) conduct inspections on behalf of local authorities and (b) train local authority inspectors.

We are aware of the offer made by the Kennel Club to inspect and train local authority inspectors. Local authorities may choose to take up this offer or those made by other organisations.