HC Deb 18 June 1997 vol 296 c191W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of(a) caviar and (b) shark meat is currently imported into the United Kingdom per annum; and if she will make a statement. [2700]

Mrs. Roche

In 1996 the UK imported 31 metric tonnes of caviar (sturgeon roe) worth £5.6 million. Information on shark meat is not available.

The convention on International trade in Endangered Species (CITES) will be holding its biennial meeting between the 9—20 June, in Zimbabwe. During the Conference proposals on the listing of sturgeon and monitoring of shark species will be discussed. The UK will consider all conference proposals carefully and in consideration with our colleagues from the other EU Member States.