Written question asked by John Heppell (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 29 March 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Friday, 29 March 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What factors underlay the decision not to implement EC Regulation 3254/91 in the United Kingdom on 1st January.

Answer: Mr. Heppell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors underlay the decision not to implement EC regulation 3254/91 in the United Kingdom on 1 January.[22885] Mr. Clappison: I have been asked to reply. The 1991 leghold traps regulation requires the Commission to determine which countries have met the conditions to import furs into the Community. Since this has not been done, and the necessary implementing measures have not been adopted, there is some doubt as to whether member states would be acting lawfully if they attempted to implement a fur import ban on 1 January 1996. In view of this, and the absence of routine controls on intra-Community trade, the Government reluctantly concluded that it would not be appropriate to implement the ban.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 22885; 274 c795-6W
Session: 1995-96
EC documents: REG(EEC)3254/91
Subjects: Animal welfare EU law Furs EU external trade Import controls Trapping