§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what measures she proposes to take as a result of the Court of Appeal's recent ruling regarding compensation for fur farmers; and if she will make a statement; [106361]
(2) if she will ensure that the compensation scheme for fur farmers includes (a) a higher standard payment for female mink than was offered in the original scheme, recognition of the higher value of specialist breeds, (c) compensation for male animals and (d) a specified date for the cessation of fur farming after the end of the consultation period in 2001. [106362]
§ Mr. MorleyOn Thursday 13 March 2003 the High Court gave judgment quashing the Fur Farming (Compensation Scheme) (England) Order 2002.
Application has been made to appeal to the Court of Appeal. If permission to appeal is not granted or the decision of the High court is upheld on appeal the Government will consult interested parties to implement a compensation scheme under the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Act 2000.
There was no suggestion from the ruling that the overall level of compensation was inadequate.
§ Mr Clifton-BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she intends to take as a result of the judicial review into the Government's fur farming compensation scheme; how the Government will ensure that it complies with(a) common law and (b) the European Convention on Human Rights; and if she will make a statement on the judgement. [106854]
§ Mr. MorleyApplication has been made to appeal to the Court of Appeal. If permission to appeal is not granted or the decision of the High Court is upheld on appeal the Government will consult interested parties to implement a compensation scheme under the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Act 2000.