§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the number of(a) zoological gardens, (b) wildlife parks, (c) circuses, (d) aquaria, (e) vivaria and (f) insectaria subject to the full requirements of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981; and how many of each category have been granted dispensations from the requirements of the Act in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. AtkinsAccording to our latest information, 226 zoos are currently licensed in England under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. During the last five years, the total number of dispensations granted under section 14(2) of the Act have been:
Number 1990 12 1991 13 1992 6 1993 7 1994 3 These figures include dispensations given for aquaria, vivaria and insectaria although they do not differentiate 42W between collections according to species. Dispensations granted under the Act do not in any way weaken a zoo's requirement to meet the standards of modem zoo practice of animal welfare and public safety set out by the Secretary of State. The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 does not apply to circuses.