§ 2. Mr. HaynesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which species of animals are currently farmed for their fur in Britain.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Donald Thompson)Mink, white, red and cross fox and fitch are farmed for fur in Britain.
§ Mr. HaynesIs the Minister aware that, like a woman, these little furry friends of ours are beautiful? Will he seriously consider the issuing of licences for this sort of farming? Will he also seriously consider the complete elimination of licences for this sort of farming over the next 10 years?
§ Mr. ThompsonThe mink farmers are licensed and almost insist that they are. There are few other fur farmers. I have heard what the hon. Gentleman said about abolishing fur farms here, but the number of fur farms in Europe is increasing and I would have to think carefully before putting British farmers at any disadvantage.