---

6 Jul 2004 : Column 682W—continued

Wild Animals Order

Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set out the timescale for the implementation of the licensing and inspection system envisaged in the draft Dangerous Wild Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 2004. [182082]

 
6 Jul 2004 : Column 683W
 

Angela Smith: Subject to the approval of both Houses of Parliament, it is expected that the Order will be considered by the Privy Council on 27 July. Certain enabling provisions will come into operation seven days after the Order is made.

However, the substantive provisions, including those provisions making it an offence to keep a dangerous wild animal without a licence, will be brought into operation by way of a commencement order, to be made
 
6 Jul 2004 : Column 684W
 
by the Department of the Environment. This is considered necessary, in the interests of public safety, to ensure that all operational arrangements required for the effective operation and enforcement of the legislation are in place and to allow for the preparation of guidance and standards for prospective licence holders. I expect it to take three months for this work to be completed and the licence provisions brought into operation. Thereafter, existing owners will have a further period of 90 days to apply for a licence, during which time they may continue to keep the animal.

---

---