Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the Welsh Government's agenda in relation to the use of wild animals in circuses, following the launch of the Scottish Government's Bill?
A public consultation on the potential introduction of a licensing or registration scheme for mobile animal exhibits (MAEs), including circuses, is scheduled to begin before summer recess. Stakeholders and others with an interest in MAEs will be notified when the consultation is launched.
As stated in my Written Statement of 15 December 2016 I have met with the UK Government's Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity, Lord Gardiner of Kimble, to discuss this issue. Officials also attend regular meetings with Defra and the Devolved Administrations.
I am aware that the Scottish Government, on the 10 May, introduced a Bill to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in Scotland. The Bill will now need to go through the Scottish Parliament before potentially coming into force some time next year. I will be watching developments closely.