Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 30 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 December 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 9 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what measures her Department is taking to raise awareness among (a) transport companies and (b) HM Customs and Excise of the problems of illegal trade in saker falcons.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures her Department is taking to raise awareness among (a) transport companies and (b) HM Customs and Excise of the problems of illegal trade in saker falcons. [202075] Mr. Morley: Officials from the Department have advised transport associations and individual transport companies of the necessity to comply with the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This advice emphasises the importance to transporters of obtaining the correct CITES documentation in order to move such species across international borders, and the ramifications to their customers of the failure to meet those requirements. As the first point of contact on entry into the UK, HM Customs and Excise officials are also aware of CITES and the requirement that the appropriate import documents to be presented. This applies to the saker falcon and all other CITES listed species.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 202075; 428 c684W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Customs and Excise Companies Conservation Publicity Nature conservation Transport Trade Smuggling Falcons
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk