HL Deb 12 February 1981 vol 417 cc399-400WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will confirm that no records were kept of specimens of species listed under Appendices I or II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which were released from the Customs area of the port of entry either to proceed directly to another port for exit purposes or for keeping for a period of time at some other premises in the United Kingdom.

The Minister of State, Treasury (Lord Cockfield)

I confirm that no permanent records are kept from which statistics could be compiled. However, a temporary record is kept of each item in the course of transhipment to ensure that it is finally exported.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make a statement on procedures followed in the case of specimens of species listed on Appendix I or II of CITES but which have no import licence, but which are released from the Customs area of the port of entry in order either to proceed directly to another port for exit purposes or to be retained for an indefinite period prior to re-export at some other premises in the United Kingdom; and whether they will make a further statement on what safeguards and supervision are carried out in order to ensure that the same specimen is exported and no international dealings occur within the period during which the animal is kept within the United Kingdom.

Lord Cockfield

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) specifically excludes specimens in transit and transhipment from its restrictive provisions. This is reflected in the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 which gives effect to the convention in the United Kingdom.

Goods coming within the scope of that Act, which covers all the species listed in Appendices I and II of CITES, may pass in transit through the United Kingdom under the normal transit and transhipment controls operated by HM Customs and Excise. I am satisfied that the procedures in operation provide adequate safeguards against any abuse of either the CITES provisions or the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976.