Written question asked by Lord Anderson of Swansea (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 July 1997. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Friday, 11 July 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: What response he intends to make to proposals in the Council of Europe to set internationals standards for the farming of mink.

Answer: Mr. Donald Anderson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he intends to make to proposals in the Council of Europe to set international standards for the farming of mink. [6572] Mr. Morley: The Standing Committee of The European Convention on the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes is currently reviewing its 1991 recommendation on the welfare of animals farmed for fur. We shall be pressing for adoption of the highest possible standards, paying proper regard to the welfare of the animals concerned. We will not support any convention that weakens present welfare standards. This does not affect the Government's commitment to bringing an end to fur farming in this country: we are urgently considering how this is to be achieved.

Secondary information