§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, during negotiations over the European Economic Community regulations implementing the convention on international trade and endangered species of wild fauna and flora, assurances were given to United Kingdom interest groups that Her Majesty's Government would not compromise on any point which would result in a lower standard of protection in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WaldegraveAssurances were given that the United Kingdom would during negotiations press for a provision to enable member states to go beyond the regulation if such measures were considered necessary on conservation grounds. Article 15 of EC regulation 3626/82 is a result of those negotiations. The United Kingdom has already informed the Commission that it proposes to take stricter measures for some plants and animals traded within the Community. The question of further additions will be considered on their merits.