Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
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Ivory Trade
This is a complicated issue which, if mishandled, has the potential to lead to the extinction of elephants. It is apparent that the partial lifting of the ban on the ivory trade has led to an increase of poaching in Africa. If there is a legal outlet for disposing of ivory then this will doubtless encourage the killing of elephants for their tusks, whatever the restrictions.
However, I also recognise that some argue, genuinely I think, that legalising the trade in ivory can actually protect the elephant, as this gives each individual elephant an economic value. The logic follows that by placing a financial value on elephants it might be possible to protect them as a 'commodity'. Although I understand the logic behind this position, I do not agree with it.
I believe that a total ban on the trade in ivory should be reinstated as soon as possible as the best way of protecting elephants. I realise this requires a concerted effort on the part of African and Indian governments to safeguards elephants against poachers but this remains the most effective means of preventing elephants from moving towards extinction.