HL Deb 03 August 1965 vol 269 cc117-8

2.38 p.m.

THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGH

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether in future they will consult the Nature Conservancy before issuing licences for the importation of small animals of foreign origin.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD RHODES)

My Lords, the Board of Trade already consult the Advisory Committee established under the Animals (Restriction of Importation) Act, 1964, before issuing import licences for animals listed in the Schedule to the Act. A representative of the Nature Conservancy attends the meetings of the Committee.

THE EARL OF IDDESLEIGH

I thank the noble Lord for that reply.

LORD HURCOMB

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord who has just replied whether he is aware that, in their Annual Report for 1962, the Nature Conservancy issued a statement of policy about the introduction of exotic species, whether animal or plants, and drew attention to the great danger that might occur through the introduction of even apparently harmless species?

LORD RHODES

My Lords, that in itself is one advantage of having the Nature Conservancy represented on the Advisory Committee.

THE EARL OF DUNDEE

My Lords, will the Government allow entry to at least the relatives and dependants of those small animals who are already here?