Written question asked by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 May 2004. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Monday, 24 May 2004 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what account she has taken of representations from the circus industry in developing the draft guidance under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Answer: Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what account she has taken of representations from the circus industry in developing the draft guidance under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. [175556] Mr. Caborn: We considered carefully the views expressed to us by, and on behalf of, the circus industry when drawing up the draft Guidance to licensing authorities which was laid before Parliament on 23 March. We have, in so far as possible, made the draft Guidance clearer in relation to circuses. We did not accept their case for exemption during the passage of the Licensing Bill, nor for amending the arrangements for temporary events. Further, it is not possible to create exemptions to the Licensing Act 2003 through the Guidance, as it cannot amend the Act.

Secondary information