§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to review the welfare of chinchillas which are bred for fur; and if he will make a statement; [38791]
(2) which legislation regulates the commercial breeding of chinchillas for fur. [38790]
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 23 July 1996]: As far as I am aware, there are no enterprises breeding chinchillas for fur in this country. If there were, the welfare of the animals concerned would be protected by the general provisions of part I of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, which make it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress, and relevant subordinate legislation. The Council of 642W Europe recommendation on the welfare of fur animals, which contains specific provisions relating to the welfare of chinchillas, is to be reviewed shortly. My officials will be participating in this process but I expect those delegations from countries with first-hand experience of breeding chinchillas for fur to have the major input into that particular part of the review.