The Earl of KIM BERLEYasked Her Majesty's Government:
(1) Whether they are satisfied with existing precautions to control the introduction of alien plants and animals 160WA to Britain and associated offshore islands;
(2) whether they will review the adequacy of penalties for the introduction of, and the legal liability of people who introduce alien plants and animals.
§ Lord STRABOLGIThere is a whole range of legislation available to secure the necessary safeguards. The adequacy of this legislation and of control measures deriving from it (including associated penalties and liabilities) is kept under review. The Nature Conservancy Council is at present, for example, considering the adequacy of existing legislation relating to the banning of imports on ecological grounds. The Government would be ready to introduce new main or subordinate legislation or other additional provisions if existing control measures needed to be strengthened.