§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to prevent trade in endangered species within the European Union. [69820]
§ Mr. MealeThe trade in endangered species is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which is implemented within the European Union by Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97. Commercial trade in wild taken specimens of species listed in Annex A of the Regulation is strictly prohibited, although exceptions may be made for research, breeding or educational purposes. The sale of these species is also controlled, including captive bred specimens.