HC Deb 01 July 1993 vol 227 cc569-70W
Mrs. Roche

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on fur farming.

Mr. Soames

The Mink (Keeping) Order 1992, which was adopted following a debate in the House on 8 December 1992, requires that establishments keeping mink for fur must be licensed by Agriculture Departments. In order to obtain a licence specific standards of security must be met to prevent the escape of mink. There are currently 19 licensed establishments in England and two in Scotland. Welfare conditions on fur farms are monitored regularly by the state veterinary service on the basis of recommendations adopted by the Council of Europe.