HC Deb 26 April 2002 vol 384 cc510-1W
Mr. Breed

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will appoint the DTLR In House Consultancy Unit to review her Department's procedures for the licensing of international trade in animals. [52244]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 25 April 2002]: As a result of the creation of this Department in June 2001, several different licensing regimes affecting wildlife were brought into the one Department. We therefore commissioned the DTLR In House Consultancy Unit to produce an overview, and make recommendations about improved customer service in those areas. This study is on-going and encompasses all aspects of wildlife licensing, including the international trade in wild animals.