§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many of the 1,142 seizures of illegally imported animal products that have been made since April 2001 were made from passengers arriving by air; and in how many cases the passengers were (a) refused entry to the United Kingdom and (b) prosecuted. [HL3401]
§ Lord WhittyThere have been 832 seizures that have been recorded centrally by Defra for illegally imported animal products by passengers travelling via airports.
HM Customs and Excise has prosecuted three people for CITES offences involving illegal meat imports. Two were convicted and one was acquitted but convicted under a separate animal health offence.
No one has been refused entry into the UK because of illegally importing animal products.
§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will introduce prominent signs at Britain's airports warning passengers that the import of bushmeat and other unlicensed meat is illegal, in the way as is done at airports in the United States. [HL3402]
§ Lord WhittyThere are already hard-hitting posters on display at all major airports. These postes warn passengers of what meat is not allowed to be brought in and state the penalties for bringing in prohibited animal products.
We are continuously reviewing the impact of the campaign and will be undertaking market research to help assess the impact of the posters and provide information on how public awareness can be improved still further.