Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 13 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 March 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 March 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what role his Department played in allowing rock-hopper penguins to be removed from Tristan da Cunha for onward transport to zoos in the Far East. - Inc figures.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role his Department played in allowing rock-hopper penguins to be removed from Tristan da Cunha for onward transport to zoos in the Far East. [148592] Mr. Rammell: The Tristan da Cunha Island Council was responsible for the decision in May 2003 to allow 146 Rockhopper penguins to be taken from an estimated population of 50,000 birds on Nightingale Island (part of the Tristan group). The Foreign and Commonwealth Office was informed and confirmed that these birds were not subject to any international law prohibiting their collection. The capture of the birds was witnessed by the Administrator, Tristan da Cunha, to ensure that adequate standards of care and transportation were observed.

Secondary information