Thank you, Llywydd. We reported on this Bill on 4 December and we made only one recommendation. That recommendation relates to the definitions of 'wild animal' and 'travelling circus' provided for in the Bill. The Minister told us that the definitions of 'wild animal' and 'travelling circus' used in the Bill are the same as those used in the corresponding Scotland and England-only Acts. However, we noted that the definition of 'wild animal' in the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Act 2018 appear to provide a more detailed and specific definition than the definition included in this Bill. Now, whilst we acknowledge that the Minister wrote to us on 28 November to offer some clarification, the letter was received over five weeks after the Minister provided evidence to us and only one week ahead of our reporting deadline. It was not clear to us why it took so long after the evidence session to write to us.

As a result of those timescales, we had limited opportunity to consider the implications of the Minister's additional evidence. For that reason, we recommended that the Minister use Stage 1 debate as the opportunity to clarify the definitions of 'wild animal' and 'travelling circus' provided for in the Bill. We also asked that she explain how and why these definitions differ from those used in the equivalent Scotland and England-only Acts. And today, I welcome, obviously, the Minister's comments on this matter and the further clarification that has been provided today, as requested by the committee. Thank you, Llywydd.