HC Deb 19 July 1988 vol 137 c550W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many seizures have been made by the Hong Kong authorities in the first six months of 1988 of illegally imported endangered species.

Mr. Mellor

The Hong Kong authorities made 143 seizures of illegally imported endangered species in the first six months of 1988.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many restaurant inspections have been carried out so far in 1988 by the Hong Kong authorities, to ensure that no rare and endangered species of animals and plants are offered for sale as food.

Mr. David Mellor

The Hong Kong authorities carried out 206 such inspections in the first six months of this year.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if any seizures of rare and endangered species of animals and plants have been made in restaurants by the Hong Kong authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

No seizures of rare and endangered species of animals and plants were made in the course of restaurant inspections in the first six months of this year.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received regarding the illegal trade in rare and endangered species in Hong Kong.

Mr. David Mellor

We have received about 2,500 letters from members of the public about this matter since January this year.