§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role his1454W Department played in allowing rock-hopper penguins to be removed from 'Tristan da Cunha for onward transport to zoos in the Far East. [148592]
§ Mr. RammellThe Tristan da Cunha Island Council was responsible for the decision in May 2003 to allow 146 Rockhopper penguins to be taken from an estimated population of 50,000 birds on Nightingale Island (part of the Tristan group). The Foreign and Commonwealth Office was informed and confirmed that these birds were not subject to any international law prohibiting their collection. The capture of the birds was witnessed by the Administrator, Tristan da Cunha, to ensure that adequate standards of care and transportation were observed.