§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (I) what is his policy with regard to the issue of further licences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for the import of exotic wildlife in cases where the applicant has previously failed to comply with the conditions imposed on such a licence;
501W(2) what is his policy with regard to the issue of licences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for the importation of exotic wildlife in cases where the applicant is known to have been convicted for offences under the Act or for any other offences which may be relevant to his suitability to hold a licence.
§ Mrs. RumboldLicences for the import of endangered species (both fauna and flora) are issued under European Council Regulation 3626/82 (which implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora within the European Community) and under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976.
Each application for a licence is considered on its merits, taking account of all relevant factors and circumstances. Failure on the part of an applicant to comply with the conditions of a previous licence, or a conviction for offences under import or other relevant legislation, would certainly be regarded as a relevant factor to be considered if further applications for import licences in respect of endangered species are received.