Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 26 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 April 2001. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 30 April 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will list the (a) persons and (b) organisations his Department has consulted in preparing guidelines relating to the use of animals in circuses; what plans he has to issue official guidelines on the use of animals in circuses.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the (a) persons and (b) organisations his Department has consulted in preparing guidelines relating to the use of animals in circuses; [159592] (2) what plans he has to issue official guidelines on the use of animals in circuses. [159602] Mr. Mike O'Brien: The Association of Circus Proprietors has produced a Code of Practice on standards for the care and welfare of circus animals on tour. Copies of the Code of Practice will be made available to local authorities and circuses as well as other interested parties. I understand the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the British Veterinary Zoological Society, the Zoological Society of London and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare were all consulted on the content of the Code of Practice. Home Office officials provided some advice and assistance to the Association in the preparation of its Code but it remains the Code of the Association. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other organisations will be meeting me shortly to discuss it.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 367 c534W; 159592;159602
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Animal welfare Codes of practice Animals Circuses Public participation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk