Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 January 2004. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 January 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 December 2003, 415 c463W on bearskins, what species of bear's pelt is used to make the bearskin caps; whether this species is classified as endangered within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; what steps the Department takes to ensure the taking of bears is a sustainable practice; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 26 January 2004).

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 10 December 2003, Official Report, column 463W, on bearskins, what species of bear's pelt is used to make the bearskin caps; whether this species is classified as endangered within the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; what steps the Department takes to ensure the taking of bears is a sustainable practice; and if he will make a statement. [150147] Mr. Ingram :[holding answer 26 January 2004]: Bearskin caps are made from the fur of the American black bear. This is listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a species not currently rare or endangered, but which could become so if trade is not regulated, and all exports of American black bear products from Canada must be accompanied by a CITES export license. CITES species in Canada are managed through the Canadian Wildlife Service and the American black bear is currently classified as not at risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

Secondary information