Lord CHELWOODasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their existing powers to prevent imports on ecological grounds; what are the views of the Nature Conservancy Council about their adequacy; and whether they will at once introduce amending legislation to give the Government unambiguous powers to prevent such imports when they are regarded as undesirable.
§ Baroness BIRKControls over the introduction of non-native species include the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932, the Diseases of Fish Act 1937, the Plant Health Act 1967 and the Diseases of Animals Act 1950 (as well as the Endangered Species Act 1976). We are seeking the views of the Nature Conservancy Council on the adequacy of the existing legislation.