Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Monday, 29 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 April 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 19 April 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 representations her Department made to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species with regard to the spring hunt for sturgeon in the Caspian Sea.

Answer: Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations her Department made to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species with regard to the spring hunt for sturgeon in the Caspian Sea. [165251] Mr. Morley: The Department did not make any direct representations on this issue when it was discussed at the 50th meeting of the CITES Standing Committee, held in Geneva on 15-19 March. However, we did support the recommendation that the CITES Secretariat should continue to monitor permits issued for the export or re- export of caviar to ensure that any frauds or forgeries were identified quickly. This view was fully supported by the other EU member states and duly conveyed to the Standing Committee by Germany on their behalf.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 420 c153W; 165251
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Caspian Sea Caviar
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk