§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the dangers of the extinction of certain animal species resulting from the commercial killing and importation of leopard and other animal skins and the sale of the wool of vicuna and other species, he will propose international action to avert this.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe main responsibility for initiating international action lies with the countries where the endangered species originate. We have, however, an interest in the conservation of wild species which are under pressure or endangered and this we exercise through the Animals (Restriction of Importation) Act 1964 which relates to live animals only and through participation in such organisations as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (I.U.C.N.), to which Her Majesty's Government subscribes through the Natural Environment Research Council. Her Majesty's Government would always be prepared to consider proposals for participation in international action in the light of the evidence presented and any other circumstances of the case.