§ Norman BakerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many consignments of exotic animals HM Customs and Excise have checked and inspected, broken down by month in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement; [57666]
371W(2) how many investigations HM Customs and Excise have undertaken into illegal imports of wild animals since 1997; what has been the outcome of prosecutions undertaken; and if he will make a statement; [57668]
(3) how many HM Customs officers are trained in CITES-related issues; and if he will make a statement. [57667]
§ Mr. BoatengThere are no central records which separately identify checks and inspections of exotic animals or investigations into illegal imports of wild animals. Details of prosecutions since 1997 involving imports of live animals are
2000—one person convicted2002 (to date)—three persons convicted, one person acquitted.Training in CITES related issues is part of the standard training of the approximately 3,800 Customs detection staff and other staff whose work involves CITES issues.