5.
The import and export of rhino horn and all rhino horn
products have also been banned for some time. A ban on the
internal sale of medicinal products containing or claiming to
contain rhino horn is, however, a somewhat more difficult task,
which requires new primary legislation. The Hong Kong Government
remain committed to this task. They have a draft Bill which
contains inter alia proposals to ban the sale of such products.
They hope to introduce the Bill during the present session.
6.
Mr Banks correctly points out that the Hong Kong Government's
original target of introducing the necessary legislation has slipped
a little. But the delay is not a significant one. The authorities
are well aware of the international concern about this trade and are
taking the necessary steps to close this one remaining loophole.
I have nevertheless sent a telegram asking them to keep Mr Banks'
particular interest in mind and to give a suitable priority to this legislation.
Allanc
A R Paul