Written question asked by Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2008. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Thursday, 9 October 2008 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animals: Imports

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultation he undertook with zoos and similar institutions, with particular reference to the Cotswold Wildlife Park, prior to establishing the moratorium on the importation of non-domestic animals from non- EU countries.; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: There is no moratorium on imports of non-domestic animals from non-EU countries. DEFRA holds regular quarterly meetings with zoos and other similar institutions to discuss matters of interest. Notes of these meetings are available on the DEFRA website. At the last two meetings—one of which was prior to Cotswold Wildlife Park advising of their wish to import non-domestic animals—the development of an EC proposal for harmonised rules was discussed. Since Cotswold Park contacted DEFRA, a risk assessment has been carried out and a draft licence has been sent to the South African veterinary authorities for agreement.

Secondary information