§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to amend the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 to bring circus permanent holding facilities within its scope. [31688]
§ Mr. George HowarthI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to his Questions on 12 February 1998,Official Report, columns 346–47.
There is already legislation which applies to circus winter training quarters: the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925.
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare is currently preparing a full report on the welfare of circus animals. In considering the legal framework required for circuses, the Government will examine carefully its recommendation.