§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what investigations are conducted to ascertain whether hunting trophies have been obtained illegally. [164401]
§ Mr. MorleyAll applications for permits are referred to the UK's Authority for advice on the conservation status of the species concerned. An applicant wishing to import a hunting trophy from an endangered species would need to provide a copy of the export permit issued144W by the exporting country. This is regarded as proof of legal acquisition and without this an import permit would not be authorised.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times in the last five years the import of hunted trophies has been refused where there was evidence that the animals had been taken illegally. [164402]
§ Mr. MorleyI am lot aware of any applications in the last five years to in port hunting trophies which were acquired illegally.