§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will ban the import of Rhabdophis subminiatus, red-neck keel-back snake, and prohibit its sale in pet shops as a non-venomous snake, in the light of the fact that it has been discovered to be highly venomous and particularly dangerous when handled.
§ Mr. MeacherNo. The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 provides consumers with considerable protection against the misdescription of goods including animals.
However, the Home Office is aware of the doubts which have been expressed about this snake's characteristics and is considering whether it should be added to the schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.