§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations have been received by his Department seeking a continuation of the European Community ban on the import of harp and hooded seal pup skins and products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Department has received a number of representations seeking a continuation of the EC ban. The United Kingdom fully supported the European Commission's proposal for an indefinite extension of the ban and we were successful in securing our European partners' agreement to this at the EC Environment Council meeting on 8 June.