INSPECTION REPORTS ON CIRCUS ESTABLISHMENTS

That this House notes with concern the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) decision to withhold access to the inspection reports on circus establishments carried out by DEFRA-appointed staff from the House and from Animal Defenders International; believes that these reports are being used by DEFRA to inform the new proposals on a licensing system on the use of wild animals in circuses; further notes with concern that the Government's refusal to allow access to this critical information prevents Parliamentary scrutiny and open public debate involving all stakeholders; and calls on the Government to release this information immediately.