As a child in the early 1960s I regularly visited circuses, as did most kids, and there was a certain irony at the time because then you used to get circuses sponsored by companies such as Brooke Bond and other companies like that, and of course they would all give out to you the cards you used to get with packets of tea, which were cards of wildlife, and you'd go to the circus and you'd have the irony of going to see the caged animals and at the same time be given these wonderful card collections of the wonders of wildlife animals. I just mention that because it's an indication as to how far we actually have come in taking more seriously the respect for wild animals and for wildlife.

I'm supportive of this motion, and I'm supportive of legislation. As part of the consultation, when it took place I did my own consultation on my Facebook site and I had 71 members of the public complete the Facebook survey. That's a relatively small number, but it's still a significant number, and indicated there was overwhelming support for the Welsh Government's proposals, with 70 people—that's over 98 per cent—agreeing with the Welsh Government's proposed ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. We also asked, 'Do you agree with the Welsh Government's proposals to introduce a licensing scheme for mobile animal exhibits such as travelling falconry and exotic pets taken into schools?' Over 95 per cent agreed. 

One other comment, though, that was made, was that people almost overwhelmingly expressed a view on animal welfare—the regret that fox hunting wasn't devolved to the Welsh Assembly because of the need to actually have stronger legislation also in respect of the ban and ending of that, the cruelty. I think we have to see it within that context in terms of the welfare of all wildlife and all animals.

But, that having been said, I am supportive, and I'm glad this debate has come forward. I do hope that we will take action, because the way in which we treat wild animals and wildlife generally is an indication, I think, of the quality of civilisation and of the society we live in.