HC Deb 21 November 1991 vol 199 cc247-8W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the proportion of imported wild-caught birds which are destined for(a) high street pet shops, (b) aviculturalists and (c) conservation, research and zoos.

Mr. Baldry

This information is not available in the form requested. Since September, my Department has issued licences to import about 60,000 birds covered by conservation legislation. Some 98 per cent. of these birds were required for commercial purposes and the remaining 2 per cent. for personal, breeding or scientific purposes.