§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action his Department is taking to protect rare species of orchids from extinction by smuggling activities based in the United Kingdom.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Department complies fully with the requirements of EC Regulations (3626/82 259W and 3418/83) implementing the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora within the United Kingdom when considering applications for import/export permits. Enforcement of the import/ export controls at the points of entry is the responsibility of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what international co-operation exists between Governments on the protection of endangered species of orchids; and what steps he is taking to improve this.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyInternational trade in orchids is strictly controlled under the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, to which the United Kingdom and over 100 other countries are party. The EC Regulations (3626/82 and 3418/83) implementing CITES within the European Community already impose more stringent controls on many species of orchids than the convention requires.