Background Note
1. Mr Tony Banks takes a keen interest in Hong Kong's policy on endangered species. This is the thirteenth question he
has tabled on the subject so far this year for answer by FCO
Ministers. He has now tabled a further 6 questions for written
answer on 27 July.
A
2.
In the light of international concern for the plight of the
African elephant Hong Kong reviewed its policy towards the ivory
trade and in June 1989 introduced measures designed to combat the
illegal trade in ivory through Hong Kong. These measures included
expansion of the scheme for registration and marking of ivory, a
5-fold increase in fines and the establishment of a special Customs
Task Force. Mr Banks's last question on 20 July asked for details
of staffing and budget of the Force and of cases investigated. The
present reply, based on information received from Hong Kong, does
not disclose details on the second case involving prosecution. This
was for a consignment of 15 kg of ivory dust. These details have
not been included in the answer because the case is still
sub-judice.