To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

(1) what her policy is on (a) existing and (b) proposed additional legislation on shark fin product imports into the EU;

(2) whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to regulate the possession of shark fin products.

We are acutely aware of the problems that the international trade in shark fins can cause and of the need for stringent controls to ensure any trade is rooted in sustainable fishing practices. The UK opposes and has banned wasteful finning (the removal and retention of shark fins then discarding the carcass while still at sea).

The Government will continue to support domestic, European and international conservation and management measures to control the exploitation of sharks and the trade in shark products. Where appropriate, we will continue to push for bans in the international trade in shark products through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. We will also call for action by relevant international conservation and fisheries bodies to manage and conserve sharks worldwide.