Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 September 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 16 September 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, if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; and what steps the Government can take to influence the EU position on CITES.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; and what steps the Government can take to influence the EU position on CITES. [188117] Mr. Morley: The UK has always sought to maintain a balanced approach to CITES issues--basing its decisions on sound science. This means promoting worthwhile and practicable conservation measures while upholding the principle of sustainable development. The views of the UK Government on these issues are widely respected both within the EU and CITES as a whole, and as such have been, and continue to be, very influential in shaping the EU position on CITES issues.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 188117; 424 c1664W;424 c1662W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species EU action Nature conservation Trade
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk