HL Deb 30 October 1984 vol 456 cc508-9WA
Lord Houghton of Sowerby

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in view of the recent ban imposed on the export of leg-irons, they will now reconsider banning the export of steel leghold traps since previous requests for imposing a ban were refused on the grounds that Britain does not require goods which are exported from this country to conform with our own regulations on such matters as health, safety and humanitarianism.

Lord Lucas of Chilworth

Controls on leg irons were introduced in February 1984 to prevent their export for purposes contrary to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and do not constitute a reason for reconsidering the introduction of controls on steel leghold traps for pest control. Successive governments have taken the view that it is for the countries which are seeking to control the pests to decide for themselves which methods can best meet their needs.