§ Lord Ross of Newportasked Her Majesty's Government:
What training is currently given to Customs and Excise officers on the identification of wild birds and animals; and
What training and guidance is given to Customs and Excise officers to assist in the validation of documentation for the importation of endangered species of wild birds and animals.
§ Lord HeskethAll staff employed on Customs import controls are made aware, in their basic training, of their duties in the enforcement of endangered species restrictions. Guidance is given in standing written instructions and by reference as necessary to their headquarters.
The duties of officers include checking the validity of import permits and associated certificates, as well as being alert to the possibility of illegal importation by misdescription. When this is suspected and the identification of particular specimens is required, qualified experts in the relevant field are called upon to advise Customs.