Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 March 1999. It was answered by Alan Meale (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 March 1999 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 increase international protection for big leaf mahogany; and if he will ban its import.

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase international protection for big leaf mahogany; and if he will ban its import. [75301] Mr. Meale: All populations in the Americas of Big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) are already listed on Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Annex C of the EC Wildlife Trade Regulation, which implements CITES within the European Union. Imports of Big-leaf mahogany therefore require an export permit or certificate issued by the country of origin before they can enter the EU. In addition, the importer has to provide a notification form. By this close monitoring, the EU aims to ensure that international trade remains at sustainable levels.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 327 c242W; 75301
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Conservation Forests EU action Imports Nature conservation Trade Timber