TRADE OF ILLEGAL IVORY

That this House is concerned that despite the world wide ban on the sale of ivory, there is recent evidence of an increase in demand for illegal ivory; recognises the commendable progress China has made in recent years to improve illegal wildlife trade enforcement; notes with concern however recent reports which claim ivory demand in China is fuelling the rise of illegal poaching of elephants; is further concerned by reports that in one Chinese government-approved workshop, illegal tusks were being carved; and calls on the Government to urge China to investigate these claims.