§ Mr. Arnold Shawasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he has now completed the further consultations with other interested departments in order to determine whether there should be a revision of the Government's attitude to the banning of the importation and auctioning of Canadian seal pelts, referred to in his written answer to the hon. Member for Falmouth and Cambourne (Mr. Mudd), Official Report, 23 March 1978, column 732; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Meacher, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 23 February 1979; Vol. 963, c. 373] gave the following information:
I have received the views of other interested Departments and also of animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA whose representatives I have met. But another aspect which is concerning us is the legality of a ban in terms of EEC law. The Italians currently operate a ban and the Commission is currently examining the legality of its terms. Its views will clearly be of relevance to us. I will consider the matter in the light of these views and the relevant international legal framework for controls of imports.