§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the recommendation on fur farming adopted under the 1976 Council of Europe convention on the protection of animals kept for farming purposes was implemented; and what information, advice or instructions have been distributed to British fur factory farmers.
§ Mr. MacleanThe recommendation on fur farming was adopted in October 1990 and was implemented in October 1991. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food wrote to the Fur Breeders Association in November 1990 informing them of the adoption of the recommendation. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food also advised that officers of the State Veterinary Service would follow the recommendations in future inspections of fur farms.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what changes will be brought about in the living conditions of mink and Arctic foxes on fur farms as a result of implementing the recommendations on fur farming of the Council of Europe convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes 1976;
387W(2) what plans exist to inspect Arctic fox factory farms in Britain to ensure they comply with the recommendations contained in the Council of Europe convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes 1976.
§ Mr. MacleanThe recommendations have no legal force in themselves but it is expected that the European Community will incorporate them in binding legislation. In the meantime State Veterinary Service officers will continue to inspect fur farms and will advise operators to adopt the recommendations. For mink the standards broadly reflect current practices in this country, while for foxes implementation of the standards will lead to welfare improvements particularly through the provision of nesting boxes or platforms. The Community, when considering legislation on this subject, will have the opportunity to lay down more stringent conditions.