§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will introduce legislation to ban the use of wild animals in circuses;
(2) if he will introduce regulations to prevent wild animals in circuses from being ill treated or from being confined for long periods.
§ Mrs. RumboldCircus animals are protected by the Protection of Animals Act 1911 as well as the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925. These Acts together provide for, among other things, the registration of trainers, the inspection of premises by local authorities and the prosecution of anyone who causes any animal unnecessary suffering. This gives animals both general and specific protection and we have no plans for further legislation.