HKK 7/1
2011
р
26/4
CONFIDENTIAL
8.2/8/1 Flag A
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Mr Youde
Ypyde
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
Goro pwy-
IMPORTATION OF WILD LIFE FROM CHINA INTO HONG KONG
Problem
1.
In December last the BBC broadcast a radio programme on
the importation of wildlife for human consumption from China into
Hong Kong. The programme dealt both with cruelty to animals and
birds within Hong Kong, because of the conditions in which they are
kept and the way in which they are slaughtered, and with the threat
of extinction to certain species. We received a number of letters
on the programme from Members of the previous Parliament. The
script of the BBC programme, together with a list of Members of
Parliament who sent letters are attached.
2.
It is unusual for Ministers to write to Members of Parliament
on a subject with which the previous administration had been
dealing. However, given the complex nature of this issue and the
fact that it was decided to approach the Chinese authorities, it
was not possible to submit full replies before the Election. All
MPs did however receive an interim reply informing them that the
questions raised by the BBC programme were being very thoroughly
considered, but that the issues were complex and that the Governor
of Hong Kong and our Embassy in Peking were being consulted. We
have now heard both from the Governor and from Peking.
Background
3.
Hong Kong imports large numbers of animals and birds from
China for consumption in the colony. All birds (except for game
birds) and many of the animals included in this trade are conserved
CONFIDENTIAL
/by local