§ Mr MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make it his policy to institute an inquiry into animal welfare and safety conditions at the Brighton aquarium and to suspend its operating licence pending the outcome of the inquiry;
(2) what educational purpose is served by the Brighton aquarium; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierBrighton aquarium is licensed by the local authority, Brighton borough council, under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. The Act gives local authorities the powers, inter alia, to carry out special inspections and to withdraw licenses, in certain circumstances. Animal welfare, safety conditions and educational value are among the factors which are taken into account in the issue of a licence.