§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what specific steps have been taken by his Department to enforce the ban on the importing of ivory into the United Kingdom; whether there have been any arrests or prosecutions since the introduction of this ban; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderI have been asked to reply.
For many years the importation of ivory has been subject to the need for an import licence or permit issued by the Department of the Environment.
Goods imported without such documents are liable to seizure by Customs so no special measures have been required as a result of the ban. Customs continue to seize consignments of illegally imported ivory.
Most seizures, often involving small quantities, are made locally without reference to Customs headquarters. Statistical information is compiled only periodically. Up-to-date details could be obtained only at disproportionate expense.