§ Dr. Twinnasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has taken steps in line with European directive 83/129/EEC to prevent the commercial import into the United Kingdom of harp and hooded seal pup skins and products.
§ Mr. WaldegraveYes. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment laid an order—the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 (Modification) Order 1983; SI 1609—before the House on 4 November 1983 adding harp and hooded Seals to schedule 3 to the Engangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976. The order comes into force at midnight tonight. This will allow the United Kingdom to restrict trade in skins and other products of both species, and enable their conservation status to be monitored and reviewed over the next two years. My Department and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise will be taking steps to enforce the restrictions.