§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what efforts are being made by Her Majesty's Government to prevent the importation into Hong Kong of rare and endangered species of wildlife for use as restaurant food.
§ Mr. EggarHong Kong is a party to the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES).
The import, export and possession of rare and endangered species of animals and plants are controlled by law in Hong Kong, and their import for use as food is prohibited there.
Checks are made at all entry points into Hong Kong to prevent the illegal importation of such animals and plants: in 1987, 136 seizures were made and offenders prosecuted.
Inspections are also conducted at local restaurants and markets to ensure that no such animals are offered for sale as food. In 1987, 80 visits were made resulting in 14 seizures and prosecutions.