§ Sir Eldon GriffithsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects that the proposed Fur Marking Order will be laid before the House.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) when he intends to introduce a labelling order for leather goods manufactured from fur-bearing animals which he has identified as being commonly caught in leghold traps;
(2) whether he will list the scientific evidence on which he bases his identification of certain animals as commonly being trapped in leghold traps;
(3) if he will make it his policy not to lay the forthcoming order on fur labelling before Parliament in advance of a decision by the House on the principle of the matters to be covered by the order; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI have been giving careful consideration to the representations which were made during the consultation process. Legal difficulties have been raised, and I have regretfully come to the conclusion that it would not be practicable to proceed in the way originally envisaged. I have therefore decided not to proceed with the proposed order and to defer further action on the matter.