§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is his intention that every licence application under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 be submitted to one of the scientific authorities for comment.
§ Mr. Denis HowellAll licence applications relating to the import and export of endangered and threatened plants are referred to the Scientific Authority for Plants. In the case of animals, the Scientific Authority for Animals considers every licence application relating to the import of highly endangered species. Other licence applications are dealt with by my Department in accordance with guidelines agreed by the scientific authority and details are regularly submitted to the authority.