§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to implement the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species conference resolution 7.13, on welfare checks at the point of importation of all consignments of live animals.
§ Mr. BaldryThe steps the Government have taken to include requiring exporters of live specimens to transport the specimens in accordance with the International Air Transport Association live animals regulations, and the collection of information on the mortality of birds during transport. Compliance with the IATA regulations will become mandatory throughout the community from I January 1993 under EC directive 91/628 on the protection of animals during transport. We shall continue to press for further Community action. We are considering the need for other measures.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps are taken to ensure the validity of declarations made by applicants for permits to import live animals to the effect that they have proper facilities for the accommodation of the species they wish to import and that the animals will be properly transported and cared for.
§ Mr. BaldryIt is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false declaration or provide false information for the purposes of obtaining an import permit. In the event of any doubt about the facilities available for accommodating an imported specimen, or the ability of an importer to care for a specimen adequately, the Department would pursue the matter in consultation with its scientific advisers. Follow-up action could, if appropriate, include asking for further details from the applicant or arranging for an inspection of the premises. If we were not satisfied that the appropriate standards were met, we would refuse to issue a permit.
64WFor certain species, the Department asks new traders and those who move premises to supply information about their facilities.