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Written question asked by Lord Crathorne (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 January 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 February 2018. It was answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Conservative) on Wednesday, 31 January 2018 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Ivory: Sales

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what evidence they have that the proposed UK ban on historically sculpted ivory sales will (1) deter poachers in Africa, and (2) reduce the demand for sculpted ivory in Asia, India or the Middle East.

Answer

In October 2017, the Government launched a consultation on proposals for a total ban on UK ivory sales that could contribute either directly or indirectly to the continued poaching of elephants, with certain narrowly defined and carefully targeted exemptions. These proposals will put the UK front and centre of efforts to end the trade in ivory. Through the consultation we sought views and evidence on the effect of the proposed ban, including on elephant conservation and the natural environment.

The Government has proposed a ban on the sale of ivory, as trade in ivory continues to incentivise poaching by creating a demand for new ivory and providing a way to launder recently poached ivory.

The consultation ended on 29 December 2017 and responses are currently being analysed, including any evidence provided on this issue. We will publish a response shortly.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4883
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Africa Poaching Sales Regulation Asia Ivory
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk