§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of all seizures of live creatures and articles derived from endangered species imported or exported in contravention of the restrictions imposed by national and international regulations in each of the last three year periods for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 25 May 1989]: The table shows numbers of 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 central records of articles for 1988 have not yet been finalised.
810W
Year to 31 March Live creatures Articles 1986 264 4,500 1987 1,604 6,304 1988 2,284 more than 3,000
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of the seizures of 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 in the year to 31 March; and what information he has concerning related criminal proceedings taken with penalties and costs imposed.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 25 May 1989]: The information is as follows. Details relating to proceedings indicate the number of persons successfully prosecuted under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 for attempted evasion of the restrictions.
Seizures Number of persons convicted Penalties/Costs Imports 1 African civet — — 2 common marmosets — — 1,518 reptiles and amphibians 1 person £100 penalty £400 costs 380 birds — — Exports 4 snakes 1 person £200 penalty £25 costs 10 finches — —
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide details of the quantity and country of origin of all raw and worked ivory detained in each of the last three years because of documentation difficulties; and what was the subsequent outcome of each case.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 25 May 1989]: Records of such detentions are not maintained centrally and the information sought could be obtained only at disproportionate expense.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy in respect of the disposal of endangered species of animals, birds and articles seized by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.
§ Mr. Lilley[holding answer 25 May 1989]: The disposal of seized specimens, parts and derivatives is in accordance with the Washington convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora as put into force by the Endangered Species Act and Community regulations. Each case is dealt with on its merits.
The disposal of live creatures is arranged in consultation with the Department of the Environment, the management authority. The preferred option for the most endangered species is return to a natural habitat.