Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when her Department plans to bring forward legislative proposals on the use of wild animals in circuses.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply previously given to the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion on 2 June 2015, PQ UIN 416.

The interim licensing scheme for the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in England came into force in January 2013. A preliminary assessment by Defra of the effectiveness of the licensing scheme was undertaken after the first set of annual licences issued had expired. The preliminary review suggested that the Regulations have been effective in establishing a licensing regime that appears to be ensuring compliance with the agreed welfare requirements of the Regulations for wild animals in travelling circuses. A full evaluation of the licensing scheme will be carried out, if required, as part of the statutory five year review.