§ 15. Mr. Hodgsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amend the Pet Animals Act 1951 to control the sale of exotic wildlife.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo. I have no evidence that the Pet Animals Act 1951, together with the other legislation I mentioned in the reply I gave to the hon. Member's Question on 3rd May, is inadequate to control such sales; but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is seeking the views of the Nature Conservancy Council on the adequacy of the legislation relating to the introduction of non-native species.
§ Mr. Hodgsonis the Minister aware that wildlife parks are selling as pets a considerable number of animals that are not native to this country? If these animals should escape and breed in large numbers, they could present a considerable danger both to agriculture and to the balance of nature. Will the Minister bear in mind that the rabbit is not native either to this country or to Australia?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe conduct of the business of selling animals as pets, whether they are wild or tame, is subject to control under the Pet Animals Act 1951. In relation to the hon. Member's question about threats to individuals, these are effectively dealt with by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
§ Mr. HooleyIs my hon. Friend aware that the market for kestrels and other rare birds appears to be mainly in West Germany and Arab countries? Will she make representations to them about the danger to the species if this traffic continues?
§ Dr. SummerskillCertainly, I shall refer that question to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.