HC Deb 13 May 1988 vol 133 cc265-6W
Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to decide on the liability for rating of horse breeding studs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

[holding answer 12 May 1988]: The "Overseas Trade Statistics" identified raw skins and fur-skins by certain species. Information on the method. of slaughter is not available. The following raw fur skins have been imported consistently throughout the period from the listed countries:

  1. (a) Sheep and Lambs skins: New Zealand, Irish Republic, Australia, Ethiopia and South Africa;
  2. (b) Mink: USSR, China, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland and USA;
  3. (c) Persian, Astrakhan, Caracul and similar lambs, or Indian, Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan lambs: Namibia, Afghanistan and South Africa;
  4. (d) Sea-otters, Nutria and Beaver: Poland;
  5. (e) Musk-rats and marmots: Canada and USA.

The remaining identified species, with their major countries of origin, are given in the table:

Mr. Howard

I expect this matter to arise during consideration of the Local Government Finance Bill in the House of Lords. My right hon. Friend intends to reach a decision on this matter in the light of the debate there.

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