§ Mr. Kimballasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the recent incident when four lions escaped from a circus in Gainsborough the fact that dart guns were readily available to the people who had to deal with these animals prevented greater damage being done; and if he will draw his Department's working party on the limitation of these weapons to their successful use in this incident.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn view of the dangers which these weapons could represent in the wrong hands we adopt a strict policy in considering applications under Section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 for authority to possess them. Within this policy, however, we are prepared to authorise suitable persons to possess such weapons if they can show that they have custody of dangerous animals, or may expect in the course of their work to have to deal with such animals.
§ Mr. Kimballasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with his powers under the Animals Act 1971 for regulating the keeping of Felidae in mobile circuses, bearing in mind that they are an essential part of any good circus.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend has no powers under the Animals Act 527W 1971. But that Act enables damages to be recovered for injuries caused by an animal which belongs to a dangerous species and the rarity of escapes of such animals from circuses does not suggest that further legislation is required.
§ Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what regulations exist governing the keeping of lions or tigers in private homes in residential areas.
§ Dr. SummerskillIt is an offence at common law to cause a public nuisance by keeping animals to the danger of the public, and the Animals Act 1971 enables damages to be recovered for injuries caused by animals.