HC Deb 06 April 2000 vol 347 cc558-9W
Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons primates were exported to Gabon and Croatia in(a) 1999 and (b) 2000 to date. [116709]

Ms Quin

Exporters are not required to notify this Department of their reasons for exporting consignments of primates.

Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many primates were exported through Dover on the Cap Afrique on 20 and 21 March. [116708]

Ms Quin

Inquiries indicate that five primates were exported through Dover on the Cap Afrique on the night of 20-21 March.

Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many primates, of which species, were carried on the Cap Afrique in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 to date; how many were captive bred; and what was their (i) origin and (ii) destination. [116287]

Ms Quin

The import licences issued by the Department do not identify the names of vessels or craft used to import consignments of primates. The number of licences actually used to import primates, as distinct from being issued (import licences are valid for six months after issue), in each year since 1997 together with the number of premises of destination involved is as set out:

Year Number of licences used Number of premises of destination involved
1997 80 19
1998 86 20
1999 67 18
2000 6 4

Consolidated information on the origin and total number of primates by species imported into the UK in each year since 1997 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The destination of all such consignments are quarantine premises authorised by the Department, which may be located in zoos, wildlife centres or research premises.

Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 8 March 2000,Official Report, column 716W, on primate exports, if he will list the reasons, as listed on their permits, for the import and export of the types of primates listed. [116710]

Ms Quin

Exporters are not required to notify this Department of their reasons for exporting consignments of primates.

Those applying for licences to import primates into the UK are asked to indicate the purpose for which animals are being imported. The categories are: research, exhibition, as pets, for breeding, or other.

Back to