§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the two otters recently found dead on arrival at Heathrow Airport were licensed by his Department; and if he intends granting any further licences to the importing zoo.
§ Mr. Denis HowellAt the time this import took place there were no conservation controls on the import of European otters. A licence is now required for such imports under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976. All applications for licences under the Act are considered on their merits.