Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Chinese Government on further panda bear exchanges to enhance the population of that species.

There are two giant pandas in the UK, both in Edinburgh Zoo, on a 10 year loan as part of a global captive breeding programme to support the conservation of the species. Unfortunately despite five attempts, the breeding programme at Edinburgh Zoo has not yet produced any cubs. There have been no discussions with the Chinese Government on further giant panda exchanges.