§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will make a statement on the timetable for the proposed review of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997; [59739]
(2) when she plans to (a) begin and (b) complete the review of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997; and if she will make a statement; [59735]
(3) if she will start the review of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 before the summer. [59738]
§ Mr. MeacherI refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 23 May 2002,Official Report, column 501W.
The first stage of the review—discussions within Government—is under way, and should be completed by the end of June. Pre-consultations, to gather views from interested parties on the Government's initial proposals and the scope of the review, will then take place over the summer.
How quickly the full formal public consultation exercise can begin will depend on what arises from the pre-consultation process, and whether it necessitates further discussion within Government and with other parties. It should begin before the end of the year and will last for three months.
Proposals for any changes to the existing regulations as a result of the review will then be drawn up.
§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which organisations she plans to consult(a) prior to and (b) during the review of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Regulations) 1997; and at what stage in the process she plans to consult them. [59736]
§ Mr. MeacherPre-consultations will take place over the summer with: interested Government Departments (including HM Customs and Excise and the territorial administrations); the Association of Chief Police Officers (and its Scotland and Northern Ireland counterparts); the Government's scientific advisers on conservation matters; the Sustained Users' Network; Wildlife Link (including WWF-UK); and the Partnership for Action Again t Wildlife Crime.
We will make every effort to ensure that everyone who is affected by or who has an interest in the review is included in the formal public consultation process later this year.
§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received concerning the review of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997. [59737]
221W
§ Mr. MeacherI have so far received over 150 letters from right hon. and hon. Members, and a handful of letters direct from members of the public. WWF-UK officers have also been in regular contact with me and with my officials.