Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 21 October 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 October 2015. It was answered by George Eustice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 October 2015 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animal Welfare: Circuses

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to bring forward a draft Wild Animals in Circuses Bill; and whether the definition of a travelling circus will be included in the Bill.

Answer: A draft Wild Animals in Circuses Bill was published in April 2013 and received pre-legislative scrutiny by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee at the time. The draft bill did not include a definition of a travelling circus. As the explanatory notes to the draft bill said, ‘travelling circus’ is a well understood term that does not require a definition. The Government’s view remains that by trying to define precisely the term ‘circus’, you are more likely to create potential loopholes. However, the introduction of a bill is a manifesto commitment and the Government will do so as soon as parliamentary time allows.

Secondary information