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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of supporting the Vantara wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in India within the framework of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

The UK has not undertaken a specific assessment of support for this facility.

International trade in endangered species is regulated through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Decisions on imports and exports are taken by the relevant CITES Management Authorities in the importing and exporting countries, in accordance with the Convention’s requirements.

The UK works within CITES processes, including established compliance mechanisms and the Standing Committee, where Parties consider issues relating to implementation, compliance and, where necessary, appropriate follow‑up action.