Zoos and Circuses

HC Deb 14 July 1994 vol 246 c692W

Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the legislation governing the welfare of circus animals.

Mr. Charles Wardle

I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 29 April 1994 to a question from the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Carlile), at column341.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the legislation governing the welfare of zoo animals.

Mr. Atkins

I have been asked to reply.

The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 requires that all zoos in Great Britain are licensed and regularly inspected. Under the terms of the Act, the Secretary of State has issued standards covering care and accommodation of animals, and public safety in zoos, and maintains a list of authorised inspectors. Zoo licensing and inspection under the Act is carried out by local authorities.