HC Deb 29 July 1988 vol 138 cc748-9W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will provide a breakdown by species and number of the 209 live birds in the endangered species category seized by the Customs and Excise in the year to 31 March 1987;

(2) if he will provide a breakdown of the 1,395 live animals in the endangered species category seized by the Customs and Excise in the year to 31 March 1987.

Mr. Lilley

[holding answer 27 July 1988]: The following information relates to live creatures imported in contravention of the restrictions imposed by the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 or Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3626–82.

Number
Birds
African Grey Parrots 4
Indian Rosefinches 2
Kestrel 1
Musschen Broeks Lorikeets 51
Emerald Lorikeet 1
Wrinkled Hornbills 10
Citron Throated Toucans 20
Swainsons Toucans 16
Hyacinth Macaws 4
Goldfinches 100
Creatures other than birds
Giant Tortoises 7
Viperine Snakes 147
Caspian Turtles 10
European Pond Turtle 1
Carpet Pythons 2
Ibiza Wall Lizards 500
Leopard Tortoises 2
Moorish Geckos 2
Tree Frogs 145
Pond Turtles 18
Edible Frogs 96
Tortoise 1
Bosc Monitors 22
Ocellated Skinks 24
Ground Lizards 264
Spiny-Tailed Lizards 80
Chilean Spotted Lizards 30
Leopard Geckos 15
Sand Boas 2^
Chameleons 4

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of seizures of live animals, live birds and articles derived from endangered species made by the Customs and Excise in the period since 31 March 1987.

Mr. Lilley

[holding answer 27 July 1988]: The details sought are as follows. They relate to live creatures and articles derived from endangered species imported or exported in contravention of the restrictions imposed by the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 or Council regulation (EEC) No. 3626/82. The figures are provisional, having been compiled on the basis of seizures reported to date.

Number
Birds 287
Creatures other than birds 2,285
Articles derived from endangered species 3,535

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total estimated value of the seizures of endangered species of animals, birds and articles made by the Customs and Excise in each year since 1979.

Mr. Lilley

[holding answer 27 July 1988]: Values or estimated values of many such seizures are not recorded centrally, if at all. The information sought could therefore be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of the seizures of endangered species of animals and birds made by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in each year from 1979 to 1987 and the information he has concerning related criminal proceedings taken, with penalties and costs imposed.

Mr. Lilley

[holding answer 27 July 1988]The details sought are shown in the following table. The figures for seizures relate to live creatures imported or exported in contravention of the restrictions imposed by the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 or Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3626/82. Those for proceedings indicate the number of persons successfully prosecuted under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 for attempted evasion of the restrictions.

Year to 31 March Seizures No. of persons convicted Penalties/costs
1979 28 1 £200
1980 Nil 1 6 months (reduced on appeal to 3 months)—£200
1981 173 2 £100
1982 643 2 £700
1983 447 4 £800
1984 1,125 6 £2,250
1985 655 1 £650
1986 264 4 13 months (suspended for 2 years); £1,045
1987 1,604 9 £5,545
1988 2,284 5 £3,325

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a breakdown of the 6,000 articles derived from endangered species by(a) type, (b) animal and (c) country of origin seized by the Customs and Excise in the year to 31 March 1987.

Mr. Lilley

[holding answer 27 July 1988]: As the information requested is very long I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy in the Library.