§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what is his policy on the use of leghold traps(a) on land and (b) in water; [4527]
(2) what representations he has received concerning the United Kingdom's position on leghold traps and fur imports; and if he will make a statement. [4528]
§ Angela EagleLeghold traps have been banned in the United Kingdom for more than 40 years. The Government fully support efforts to improve the welfare of trapped animals in general and believes that the phasing out of leghold traps is an essential element of this.
The Government received representations from the European Commission and the Government of Canada on the United Kingdom's position on the Commission's proposed "framework agreement on humane trapping standards". Representations were also received from a number of animal welfare bodies—including the RSPCA and the International Fund for Animal Welfare—and from the British Fur Trade Association. We received more than 20,000 letters and postcards from the public urging the Government to reject the agreement.
The Government made clear its intention before the Environment Council meeting that we would vote against the agreement since we believed that it did not go far enough in banning the use of leghold traps. Several other member states shared our reservations but no decision was taken on the Commission's proposal at the meeting.