3.On 5 August 1997 the Government issued a consultative letter seeking comments on how to prohibit fur farming. A copy of the letter is deposited in the library of the House. The consultation period was six weeks. The majority of responses were in favour of prohibiting fur farming. The British Fur Trade Association, which represents all aspects of the fur farming industry, the Fur Breeders Association of the UK and the International Fur Traders Association were opposed to the introduction of any form of ban on fur farming.
4.The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry (Mr Elliot Morley) announced in the House of Commons on 30 July 1998 (Hansard columns 511-512) that it was the Government’s firm intention to end fur farming in this country, that primary legislation would be required and that the Government would be seeking the most appropriate route by which to achieve that.
5.At present, the only animals farmed solely or primarily for their fur in England and Wales are mink. The farming of mink requires a licence from the Ministry by virtue of the Mink Keeping Order 1997 (S.1. 1997/3002) made under the Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932. The 1997 Order ceases to have effect on 1st January 2001; it is intended that its provisions will be continued by the Mink Keeping (England) Order 2000 in England and by the Mink Keeping (Wales) Order 2000 in Wales. There are currently 13 licensed mink farms in England and none in Wales. The farming of other species, such as arctic fox, does not
currently require a licence. However, there are currently no known fur farms farming any such other species.
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