Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 30 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 December 2005. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Thursday, 8 December 2005 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Fur Import Ban

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he plans to ban the import of cat and dog fur from China; and what penalties he has power to impose on those found to have breached such a ban.

Answer: The Government share the ethical abhorrence felt on hearing reports of cruelty to domestic cats and dogs. However, to date, the Government have no evidence of imports of domestic cat and dog fur into the UK. In a statement to Parliament on 28 January 2005 the Government made it clear that they are committed to establishing the facts about this issue and taking practical and proportionate action in response. We continue to believe, given EU competence on commercial policy, that any action is best pursued at EU level. We continue to discuss this with the European Commission.

Secondary information