§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make resources available to the Russian Government to assist their efforts to save the Siberian tiger.
Mr. GooladWe have not received a request from the Russian Government to assist their efforts to save the Siberian tiger.
We have, however, given TRAFFIC International—Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce—£97,500 to carry out a study of the Asian medicinal trade and its implications for the conservation of tigers. The project aims to:
—reduce poaching and smuggling of tigers and other endangered species;—identify illegal trade routes to consumer nations and help governments halt illegal shipments; and—identify ways to alter consumer behaviour and reduce the demand for tiger parts.We believe that this contribution will substantially assist international efforts to stamp out the illegal trade in tigers, rhinos and other endangered species and thereby to promote their conservation.