Written question asked by Lord Deben (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 7 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many prosecutions there have been since January 2000 of persons found to be selling illegally imported meat products. - Including fact that not available centrally.

Answer: Mr. Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many prosecutions there have been since January 2000 of persons found to be selling illegally imported meat products. [75929] Mr. Morley: Responsibility for enforcing the law on imported meat products at the point of sale lies with local authorities. Information on prosecutions is not held centrally. Defra is aware that in 2001, HM Customs and Excise prosecuted three people for offences relating to the import of meat covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Two were convicted on CITES offences and one was acquitted, but convicted under a separate Animal Health charge. This year, we are aware of one successful prosecution brought by Crawley Borough Council in July, and six cautions issued by the London Port Health Authority in October. All related to the illegal importation of animal products.

Secondary information