§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) arrests, (b) prosecutions and (c) convictions for breach of the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 have taken place in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [2701]
§ Angela EagleThe 1976 Act originally implemented the Convention on International, Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in the UK. In 1984, however, it was largely superseded by EC legislation, which implemented CITES throughout the European Community. The 1984 legislation has recently been replaced by revised EC Regulations which came into force on 1 June 1997.
There is no central record of arrests, prosecutions or convictions for CITES offences. However, we are aware that since May 1996 at least 15 cases have been brought under CITES legislation, including one which resulted in a conviction. Of the remaining 14 cases, three have led to a formal caution and 11 are awaiting trial. No cases have been brought under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act itself.