HC Deb 05 June 2000 vol 351 cc78-9W
Mr. Randall

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase expenditure on measures relating to the enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species by HM Customs and Excise. [124470]

Dawn Primarolo

There are no plans to increase expenditure on measures relating to HM Customs and Excise's enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The current allocation of resources is proportionate to the illegal trade in CITES goods.

Mr. Randall

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures HM Customs and Excise are taking to ensure that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is enforced. [124469]

Dawn Primarolo

HM Customs and Excise has primary responsibility in the UK for enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Customs' anti-smuggling staff maintain checks on imports and exports liable to CITES regulation as part of their normal duties. In addition, there is a specialist CITES Enforcement Team based at London Heathrow Airport and a regional network of CITES liaison officers specifically trained to advise on CITES cases and to work in co-operation with other interested agencies.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officers Customs and Excise employ whose(a) sole and (b) primary role is to enforce CITES legislation; and what plans he has to increase their number. [124051]

Dawn Primarolo

HM Customs and Excise have eight officers whose sole role, and two officers whose primary role, is to enforce CITES legislation. There are no plans to increase these numbers.