To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons he has decided to bring forward proposals to amend the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 as it applies to private animal keepers in relation to the keeping of exotic pets; and what timetable he has set for bringing forward such proposals. (274793)

In response to long-standing demand for reform of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, DEFRA has substantively reviewed the Act. The most recent public consultation on proposals to amend the main body of the Act, to make it less burdensome on local authorities and keepers, was undertaken last year.

The proposals are intended to provide an improved and better focused licensing and enforcement regime in line with the “Hampton principles” of better regulation. Current public safety benefits will be retained while reducing the level of burden on keepers and local authorities, who administer and enforce the Act.

The amendments are being progressed via a Legislative Reform Order and the intention is that the changes will come into force in October 2009. New guidance for keepers and local authorities will be published to assist implementation of the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) the Local Government Association and (b) local authorities on his Department's proposals to amend the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. (274794)

All local authorities in England and Wales, together with the Local Government Association, have been fully consulted with regard to the proposed amendments to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, most recently during the last public consultation in 2008.