HC Deb 04 February 1997 vol 289 cc561-2W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what requirements have to be satisfied by those intending to import into the United Kingdom exotic animals not listed in the convention on international trade in endangered species; [12579]

(2) if his Department requires prior notification of the numbers and destination of non-CITES-listed venomous snakes imported into the United Kingdom. [12624]

Mr. Nelson

[holding answers 29 January 1997]: My Department does not require prior notification of, or impose requirements relating to, the import of venomous snakes or any other exotic animals. This is because, alongside the import restrictions applied to species covered by CITES, a range of other controls on the possession and treatment of animals within the United Kingdom apply regardless of whether the animals are bred here or imported. The main regulatory measures include the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, for which the Department of the Environment is responsible, together with a network of health, welfare and anti-rabies rules enforced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Home Office and HM Customs and Excise.