§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make it his policy to oppose the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species proposals on the ivory trade; [33617]
(2) what recent representations he has received regarding the resumption of the ivory trade. [33616]
§ Angela EagleA number of individuals and organisations have expressed concern about the decision taken by a large majority at the CITES Conference in June 1997 to open the way for a limited resumption of trade in ivory. Many have also acknowledged the role played by the UK and other EU Member States in securing a deferral of commercial trade until essential safeguards are in place, including the establishment of systems for monitoring poaching and illegal trade. The EU abstained in the final vote but Member States have agreed to respect the majority will of the CITES Parties on a matter which is central to the basis of cooperation on which the future of CITES depends. Conservation of the elephant requires maximum effort to implement the full package agreed by the Conference which goes wider than commercial trade in ivory.
At its meeting in London last week, the CITES Standing Committee, under the UK's chair, reviewed progress. The Committee agreed proposals to allow audited ivory stockpiles to be sold for non-commercial purposes, and the proceeds used for conservation and related work in Africa. CITES representatives also endorsed proposals for two new systems for monitoring elephant poaching and trade. To assist further work, my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment 191W announced a contribution of £175,000. The Committee also allocated additional funds from the Convention's central budget.
Next year's meeting of the Standing Committee will decide whether the conditions which the Parties attached to the decision in 1997 have been met, and whether limited commercial trade can resume between three southern Africa countries and Japan.