Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 26 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 November 2007. It was answered by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 December 2007 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Tortoises: Imports

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of wild tortoises imported from Slovenia in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: No estimate has been made. Since Slovenia joined the European Union in May 2004, figures for the movement of tortoises from Slovenia to the UK ceased to exist. Tortoises can be moved freely within the Community. However, if the tortoises are being used for commercial purposes and are of a species controlled at the highest level within the EU (Annex A) then they will require certificates that have been issued under Article 10 of the European Wildlife Trade Regulations, granted by the member state where the specimen is located.The UK has issued 8,700 such certificates for Annex A tortoises originating in Slovenia since May 2004. All of these have been for captive bred tortoises. No certificates have been issued since May 2004 for wild taken tortoises.

Secondary information