10. Will the Minister make a statement on steps taken by the Welsh Government to protect wild animals in circuses? OAQ(5)0073(ERA)

Thank you. I will be publishing a written statement on this issue tomorrow. We will explore the possibility of introducing a scheme, such as registration or licensing, for mobile animal exhibits, including circuses, which display domestic and exotic animals in Wales. A public consultation will be undertaken here early next year.

I very much welcome that answer from the Cabinet Secretary and thank her for it. I wonder if she could give an indication, therefore, of the timescale in terms of implementing and introducing any new regulations and legislation, as this has been an issue that has been ongoing for some time already.

It has been a long-standing issue, and it's something that I have taken a particular interest in since I came into post in May. I recently met with the DEFRA Minister, because I wanted to engage in discussions with them to see if we could have a joint sort of scheme and initiatives going forward. He was very keen to also speak to Scotland and Northern Ireland to see if we could have a UK-wide approach. However, it needs to be done at pace, and, if it isn't going to be done at pace, we will have our own scheme, as I say, and look at what else we can do. But I agree: it does need to be done very quickly. As I say, a written statement will be coming out tomorrow, before we go into recess, with more details.

I'm grateful; I don't think there's any place for wild animals in circuses. I agree with that. This is something promoted by the Welsh Conservatives some years ago, and I'm pleased that there will be a statement tomorrow. But can I say: how has it taken so long to get to this point? It was your predecessor, Rebecca Evans, who first initiated this, and it has taken a long time to get to this position.

Well, as I say, it's something that I have taken a particular interest in, you know, six months—well, seven months—into post. I've had several discussions. I've now met with the DEFRA Minister. We've been waiting to see—. We don't have any circuses actually licensed here in Wales; they’re licensed in England. So, I think it's very important that we do have that cross-Government approach to this.

I thank the Cabinet Secretary.