§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what action the Government are taking to ensure the implementation of the ban on furs entering the EU under Regulation 3254/91; [70009]
(2) what action the Government are taking to press the Commission and EU Ministers to set a deadline for ratification of the humane trapping standards for animals caught in leghold traps; [70008]
(3) if (a) Russia, (b) Canada and (c) the USA have ratified the agreement on humane trapping standards for animals caught in leghold traps; and what is the deadline for ratification of the convention. [70007]
§ Mr. Meale[holding answer 8 February 1999]: I understand that Canada and Russia have not yet ratified the agreement on humane trapping standards for animals caught in leghold traps agreed with the European Community in July 1997. I also understand that the USA has not ratified the agreed minute agreed with the European Community in December 1997. We will look for suitable opportunities to discuss with the Commission and EU Ministers what further progress can be made in pressing Canada, Russia and USA to ratify these agreements.
Her Majesty's Customs and Excise are responsible for ensuring implementation of the import ban on certain furs into the United Kingdom under Regulation 3254/91. In the case of all measures prohibiting the importation of goods, it is standard procedure for detailed written guidance to be issued to Customs officers as to the manner of regulating legitimate trade and the handling of illegal consignments. This practice was followed in the case of furs caught in leghold traps. I also understand that since the customs entry documents for virtually all commercial imports are processed electronically, and because all imported goods have a specific "commodity code" number which must be declared by importers on those documents, Customs officials are able to identify furs which may be prohibited from entering the United Kingdom under the Regulation.