HONG KONG IVORY
Line to take
(Reservation has encouraged poaching)
Reservation is no threat to living elephants. Hong Kong has imposed a total ban on imports and controls are strictly enforced. - As I told the House on 22 February, if there is any evidence of complicity by Hong Kong traders in poaching and illegal trading in ivory we shall investigate it.
(Will Reservation be renewed?)
- As my hon Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Francis Maude) stated in his reply of
11 May (Col 249) to the hon Member for Newham North West (Mr Tony
Banks) the Reservation will be withdrawn on 18 July 1990 and not extended. The necessary legislation is in hand in Hong Kong to
ensure that the CITES ban is in force when we withdraw the
Reservation.
PJYAOX