§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy that those importing any non-CITES—convention on international224W trade in endangered species—venomous snakes into the United Kingdom should require the possession of a dangerous wild animals licence. [12627]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 makes it an offence to keep privately any animal included in the schedule to the Act, except under a licence issued by a local authority. The schedule to the Act includes a number of CITES and non-CITES venomous snakes. I am not aware of any evidence that these controls are inadequate.