Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 11 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 January 2001. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 January 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to introduce stricter controls governing the transportation of butterflies and their larvae between farms; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce stricter controls governing the transportation of butterflies and their larvae between farms; and if he will make a statement. [145867] Mr. Mullin: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is the principal legislation in the UK governing the protection of wildlife and sets out comprehensive statutory protection for endangered wild species and their habitats. Section 9 of the Act prohibits the unauthorised killing, injuring, taking, possession, sale or disturbance in a place of shelter or protection, any wild animal listed on Schedule 5 to the Act. Certain species are protected only in respect of certain activities. There are 25 butterflies and fritillaries listed on Schedule 5 of the Act. Six of these are afforded full protection and the rest are protected under section 9(5) which prohibits unauthorised sale. There are also eight moth species listed on Schedule 5, all of which are afforded full protection. The Government's statutory adviser undertakes a quinquennial review of Schedule 5 and recommends additions and deletions. Any changes from the next quinquennial review are likely to be introduced in 2002-03.

Secondary information