Debates between James Gray and Gordon Marsden during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Dangerous Dogs

Debate between James Gray and Gordon Marsden
Thursday 7th March 2019

(6 years, 11 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Gordon Marsden Portrait Gordon Marsden
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That is what the Department says, but is it not ludicrous that it does not openly address the issue—it is an issue, and one that was put forcefully to the Committee—that it is very difficult for police on the ground to determine genetically what is a pit bull and what is not? The Minister spoke about Staffordshire bull terriers. What is the logic for having an investigation into attacks by pit bulls, which are covered by the Act—albeit many of us dispute that—and not into attacks by Staffordshire bull terriers?

James Gray Portrait James Gray (in the Chair)
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Order. Interventions should be brief.

Gordon Marsden Portrait Gordon Marsden
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If the Minister looks only at the issue of the breeds in the 1991 Act, he will of course come to the same conclusion, because he is not examining the broader evidence.