§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to ban the import of wild-caught primates into the EC for research and testing.
§ Mr. MacleanThe import of primates into the EC is already controlled under regulations governing the wildlife trade. These are conservation measures, intended primarily to ensure that wild populations are not seriously depleted. They are not concerned with the purpose of import, except for endangered species. While we are currently negotiating a new European wildlife trade 49W regulation to tighten existing controls, we have no plans to seek a general ban on the import of any animals for use in research and testing. Controls on the use of animals for such purposes within the United Kingdom are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.