§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to set a date for the prohibition of the farming of mink for their fur. [26278]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government remain committed to implementing their pre-election pledge to prohibit fur farming as soon as practicable. Last year, I reviewed the various options available to achieve this objective and a public consultation letter seeking comments on the way I proposed to proceed was issued on 5 August 1997. I am currently considering how the intention to prohibit fur farming can best be implemented and an announcement will be made as soon as possible. There will be public consultation on any proposals for legislation to ban fur farming.