Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Monday, 8 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 December 2003. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 December 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the number of pet pig walking licences issued; what the cost has been of issuing licences; and what plans she has to require the issue of licences for walking pet sheep.

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of pet pig walking licences issued; what the cost has been of issuing licences; and what plans she has to require the issue of licences for walking pet sheep. [143224] Mr. Bradshaw: Pet pig walking licences are issued as routine work by Defra Local Animal Health Divisional Offices. They allow Defra to minimise the risk of disease spreading from pet pigs to commercial herds. No central record is maintained. To obtain details of the licences issued would result in disproportionate costs. There are no plans to introduce legislation to require pet sheep walking licences.

Secondary information