Wild Animals (Circuses)

Philip Hollobone Excerpts
Thursday 19th May 2011

(13 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Paice Portrait Mr Paice
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The fact is that we are part of the European Union, and we are obliged to comply with European Union law. If the hon. Gentleman does not like that, it is a matter for him. As I said earlier—to some ridicule from Opposition Members—our own Human Rights Act has an influence on the position, and it was passed by the Labour party, which ought to know what its legislation says.

Philip Hollobone Portrait Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)
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I believe that a majority of my constituents would want a ban on wild animals in circuses. Will the Minister update the House on how many wild animals he estimates are in circuses, and whether the number has been increasing or decreasing in recent years?

James Paice Portrait Mr Paice
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The latest estimate is that there are 39 such animals. Following the recent press exposure, there are now no elephants in our circuses. The last one, Nelly, who we saw being very badly treated, is now in a home.