TNAG-1953-FCO40-2782-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 173

501

Written Answers

Vol 144

10 JANUARY 1989

he internal sale of medicinal products containing rhino horn will also include a ban on the export of such products; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar: The proposed ban on medicinal products claiming to contain rhinoceros horn ingredients will cover their import, possession and export.

Mr. Tony Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many prosecu- tions were initiated by the Hong Kong authorities in 1988 arising from illegal imports, exports and possession of endangered species.

Mr. Eggar: Two hundred and ninety eight.

Mr. Tony Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any auctions are impending in Hong Kong of animal tusks, skins and antlers seized by the authorities.

Mr. Eggar: The Hong Kong authorities will shortly seek tenders for the sale of certain confiscated items which are permitted for commercial trade under CITES. These items include elephant tusks, skins of felidae (cat), reptiles, chinchilla and others, and deer antlers.

Mr. Tony Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress made by the Hong Kong Government in banning the internal sale of medicinal products containing rhino horn.

Mr. Eggar: The necessary legislation is being drafted for introduction into the Hong Kong Legislative Council during its present session.

Niger (Illegal Hunting)

WAD

MED

Mr. Tony Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding illegal hunting by Saudi nationals in Niger; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave: No. This is a matter for the Government of Niger.

Aircraft (Sabotage Threats)

Mr. Rooker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department was notified in December 1988 of possible sabotage threats to Pan Am flights from Europe to the United States.

Mr. Waldegrave: No.

Mr. Rooker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any notices of possible sabotage threats to aircraft flights were issued to diplomatic staff in December 1988 which were not also available to the travelling public.

Mr. Waldegrave: No.

Fauna, Flora and Habitats (Protection)

SED

Ms. Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the provisions of the draft European Community directive on the protection of fauna, flora and habitats extends to Gibraltar.

10/1/89

Mrs. Chalker: Yes.

Written Answers

502

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

Rescue Teams

Somer

Mr. Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) whether he will consider proposing international action to improve the level of training and co-ordination of rescue teams dispatched to major disasters, in the light of recent experience in Armenia;

(2) if he has any plans to improve the level of training, co-ordination and equipment for British rescue teams, in the light of recent experience in the earthquake rescue operation in Armenia.

Mr. Chris Patten: The expertise of the relief teams in Armenia was impressive and they had the best equipment that they could take with them. Co-ordination was in the hands of the Soviet authorities. But I am considering all aspects of the international relief operation to see whether lessons can be learnt for future emergencies.

CAFD

EAN

Sub-Saharan Africa (Aid)

WAL

SAPL

Mr. Gordon Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a table listing the total amount in constant 1988 prices of all United Kingdom official aid flown to sub-Saharan Africa from 1979 to 1988.

Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total amount of aid given by Her Majesty's Government to sub-Saharan Africa in 1979 and 1988, or the latest year for which figures are now available in constant 1988 prices.

Mr. Chris Patten: Gross British bilateral aid to sub-Saharan Africa from 1979 to 1987, at 1987 prices, was as follows:

£ million

1979

386

1980

369

1981

379

1982

296

1983

271

1984

287

1985

310

1986

280

1987

284

Figures for 1988 are not yet available.

Armenia (Earthquake)

L

SOVIET

Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will give a breakdown of how the £5 million aid to Armenian earthquake victims will be spent.

Mr. Chris Patten: Some £1-4 million has been allocated so far, in response to specific requests from the Soviet authorities for assistance with emergency relief and search and rescue measures. This has included:

(a) 12 relief flights carrying tents, clothing, medical supplies, food and heavy earthmoving equipment, in collaboration with the British Red Cross Society;

254 CW69 14 Job 3-9