Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Zoos

Thursday 12 January 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department provided 16 million in COVID support funding to zoos.
  • Colchester zoo's work in conservation and tourism is recognised and supported.
  • Zoos are eligible for a higher-tier energy bills discount scheme support from April 2023 to March 2024.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Priti Patel Con Witham
Economy Culture, Media & Sport Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of the pandemic on zoos in her constituency and across the country. She highlights Colchester Zoo's significant work in conservation, tourism, job creation both locally and internationally.

Question

What recent support has her Department provided to zoos? The Minister will be aware of the incredible work that zoos across the country undertake on conservation, tourism and job creation, particularly highlighting Colchester zoo. Zoos have been badly hit by the pandemic. What support is being given to preserve this great international work and help create jobs, boost tourism, and strengthen local economies?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

The Department is working with zoos on sustainability and conservation. £16 million of covid support funding has been provided, along with the energy bill relief scheme to help with overheads. Colchester zoo's work is recognised and supported. Zoos are involved in over 800 conservation projects across more than 105 countries. Higher-tier support under the energy bills discount scheme from April 2023 to March 2024 will be available for zoos.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support details for international work and job creation

How: We Also Work Closely With Zoos And Their Representatives.

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Q2 Priti Patel Con Witham
Energy Environment
Context

The MP highlights Colchester zoo's extensive conservation efforts, contribution to tourism and job creation both locally and internationally. She notes that zoos have suffered during the pandemic.

Question

What specific financial support are the Government providing to zoos for their international conservation work and local economic contributions? The Minister will be aware of Colchester zoo's vital role in conservation, job creation through tourism, and its significant economic impact locally. What measures are being taken to help preserve this work post-pandemic?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

Colchester zoo's work is recognised. Zoos engage in more than 800 conservation projects with over 105 countries. Higher-tier energy bills discount scheme support from April 2023 to March 2024 will be available for zoos.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial details for international and local economic contributions

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Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP welcomes Government support for zoos during the pandemic but queries about the status of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which is at risk of being delayed.

Question

When will the Government bring back the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill? It risks running out of time. Can the Minister provide information today on where the Bill stands and when it will be reintroduced?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

That matter lies with business managers. The hon. Gentleman should ask his question at business questions.

Not addressed: Status of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill and timeline for reintroduction

How: That Is, Of Course, A Matter For Business Managers

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