FROM D OF E DRA 2 TG
BACKGROUND
6.15.1989
9:28
P.13
1.
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ivory
Following the Environment Council meeting on 8-9 June, Department introduced with effect from 9 June, a ban on import of ivory into the UK. The EC CITES Committee meet on 22 June to discuss the mechanics of a Community-wide ban which will probably be implemented by means of a new Regulation.
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2.
Lord Trefgarne in answering a PQ from Lord Northfield June, informed
House of the decisions on ivory at the Environment Council meeting, and this news was very well received by the House (a copy of the Hansard extract is attached).
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3. The only significant dissenting note was struck by Lord Plunket from the Government benches. He expressed concern about the effect of a ban on ivory trade on countries such as Zimbabwe which need to cull their elephants to conserve their habitats. This point is covered in the Q&A briefing.
4. It is likely that Lord Gowrie will take the opportunity during question time to press for a relaxation in the import restrictions to allow the import of genuine antique ivory. (and may already have approached the Minister personally about this). Sothebys have been in touch with officials about this issue and we have stuck firmly to the line that the UK ban applies to all forms of ivory irrespective of age. Our justification for doing so has been that it is in practice, difficult to distinguish pre- from post-Convention stocks, and that a complete ban is thus the only satisfactory way of closing all possible loopholes which might allow poached ivory to enter trade,
5.
However, we understand that other member states may be in favour of continuing to allow imports of genuine antiques and if Lord Caithness is minded to agree to this, we consider that such imports would not have a harmful effect on the conservation of the species. The Q&A briefing contains 2 alternative answers on this issue, to accommodate whichever line the Minister wishes to take.
6.
We have also had a number if inquiries about the position on the re-import of items such as piano keys, the raw ivory for which has been legally imported for working and re-export to other countries, to be used in the manufacture of pianos. If this issue is raised, it would in our view be reasonable to take the line that applications for the re-import of such ivory will be considered.
7. This and other similar complications will be discussed at the EC CITES Committee meeting on 22 June.