HC Deb 16 February 1981 vol 999 c66W
Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to safeguard motorists and other road-users from the dangers from stray wild animals on the roads which have escaped from zoos.

Mr. Waddington

Not directly. The Health and Safety Executive is seeking to ensure that fences and other security arrangements at zoos are, so far as is reasonably practicable, adequate to contain the animals housed, and thereby to minimise the risk of escape.

Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take further measures to strengthen legislation regarding the safe keeping of wild animals in zoos, following the recent escape of a wolf from Howlelts zoo at Bekesbourne on 25 January.

Mr. Waddington

No. The general duties provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 provide the Health and Safety Executive with adequate powers with regard to the safe keeping of wild animals in zoos.