Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 26 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 December 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 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, for what reason secondary legislation has not yet been introduced to give effect to powers authorised in 2003 to (a) increase the maximum prison sentence for wildlife trafficking and (b) give the police the power of arrest for such crimes; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason secondary legislation has not yet been introduced to give effect to powers authorised in 2003 to (a) increase the maximum prison sentence for wildlife trafficking and (b) give the police the power of arrest for such crimes; and if she will make a statement. [200653] Mr. Morley: The powers will be implemented through a Statutory Instrument which will also replace The Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997. A comprehensive review of these Regulations identified a number of difficult issues. We are now close to resolving these matters and plan to publish a draft Statutory Instrument shortly.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 200653; 428 c118W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Crime Delegated legislation Protection Police Powers Nature conservation Sentencing Wildlife
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk