HC Deb 15 June 1989 vol 154 c536W
Mr. Nicholas Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to combat illegal trade in rhinoceros horn and ivory.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The United Kingdom implements the provisions of the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) under which commercial trade in rhinoceros and the Indian elephant is already prohibited. The European Council of Environment Ministers agreed on 8 June to support the extension of such a ban to the African elephant. A ban on imports of ivory into the United Kingdom came into force on 9 June. All these measures help prevent illegal trading.