Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 November 2000. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with German ministers about their proposals to ban certain breeds of dog; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with German Ministers about their proposals to ban certain breeds of dog; and if he will make a statement. [136988] Mr. Vaz: I have not discussed the matter with German Ministers, since such matters are an internal matter for the German authorities. I understand the German Government have proposed that such measures be considered for adoption as EU legislation. The European Commission doubt there is a legal basis for EU-wide legislation and it seems unlikely that any such proposals will progress. Our policy is that such domestic legislation should remain a matter for member states. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office, the Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. O'Brien), has already stated that existing United Kingdom law is adequate for both present and future controls in this area.

Secondary information