Zoo Licensing Act 1981

HC Deb 13 May 1983 vol 42 c519W

Mr. Graham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 has not yet been brought into force.

Mr. Macfarlane

The act involves unusually complicated procedures. The consultations are very elaborate. In advance of implementation my Department is having to research and prepare a list of designated experts to undertake inspections; detailed standards of modern zoo prectice: guidelines to licensing authorities; and a scale of charges for fees. The act should be in operation by the end of the year.

Mr. Graham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in establishing the criteria to be applied when reaching a decison as to whether a dispensation exempting a zoo from the provisions of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 should be made.

Mr. Macfarlane

This matter is to be considered in the course of our consultations with the relevant bodies.