HC Deb 17 November 1971 vol 826 cc151-2W
Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will exercise his power under the Import, Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, to prohibit the export of steel-toothed animal traps.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Although the use of steel-toothed animal traps is banned in England and Wales and limited in Scotland, protection against wild animals may require quite different measures in overseas countries. It is the view of the Government, as it was of the previous Government, that it is for the authorities in those countries to decide whether control on the use of these traps is necessary, rather than for us to ban exports.

Mr. Pardoe

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many steel-toothed animal traps were exported from Great Britain during the last 12-month period for which figures are available; and if he will estimate their total value.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The information is not separately distinguished in the trade statistics.