IVORY TRADE

Early day motion 695, tabled 25 January 2010 by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative). Signed by 82 members.

That this House notes with concern the increase in trade in illegal ivory and ivory products and the severe consequences for the elephant population in parts of Africa; believes that there is a direct link between the growth in this illegal trade and the decision to permit the sale of stockpiled ivory; further believes that existing stockpiles of ivory should be destroyed, not sold; and urges the Government to state its unequivocal opposition to any further sales of stockpiled ivory and to exert its influence at the next Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species conference to ensure a total ban on the sale of ivory and ivory products for the next 20 years.

Signatures by party: Labour 39, Conservative 20, Liberal Democrat 13, DUP 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.