§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has(a) made to and (b) received from other European Governments about compatibility of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill with the European Convention on Human Rights. [103553]
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§ Mr. MorleyNo such representations have been made or received.
§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out the basis for his Department's statement on the compatibility of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill with the European Convention on Human Rights; and if he will place the relevant documents in the Library. [103552]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government's view is that the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). There are overriding moral arguments in favour of a ban and a general public interest in removing this particular source of livelihood. This has to be balanced against the interests of those whose source of livelihood is being removed and the Bill respects the ECHR by provision of a two to three year winding-down period, compensation for certain categories of loss, and the reference of disputes on compensation to arbitration or the Lands Tribunal. In the Government's view, the balance struck between the demands of the general interest in this matter and the interests of the individuals directly affected is a fair one.