§ Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now name the panel of experts on whom Her Majesty's Customs officers may call when they have difficulty in identifying species of imported animals; and whether the same people will form the panel that will inspect premises under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act.
§ Mr. MarksThere is already a panel of experts appointed to advise on matters of identification of species and inspection of premises arising from the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and this panel will continue to act under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act. The present composition of the panel is:
- T. P. Inskipp—Fauna Preservation Society.
- Mrs. P. H. Napier—Primate Society of Great Britain.
- C. Platt—International Society for the Protection of Animals.
- P. Robinson—Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
- T. Sillars—Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
- N. H. Whittaker, MBE—Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The British Museum (Natural History) and the British Veterinary Zoological Society have also agreed to make their staff and members available for panel 344W duties when required. In addition, a Scientific Authority for Animals has been appointed to advise on all matters relating to the implementation of the convention and Act.