Trevor Sargent
Question:196 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if fur farms will receive no aid from the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18353/03]
Written Answers. - Fur Farming.
Fur farms do not receive aid from my Department. I have no plans to introduce a scheme to aid fur farms in the future.
Trevor Sargent
Question:197 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to complaints from Compassion in World Farming regarding the inadequacy of the monitoring of fur farming here; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that it is clear from its reports that inspectors are failing to notice breaches of Council Directive 93/119/EC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18354/03]
I am aware of the views expressed by Compassion in World Farming on a range of issues, including fur farming. Where my Department is made aware of allegations of breaches of regulations, the matter is investigated and appropriate action is taken.
Fur farming is a legitimate farming activity in this country. Under the Musk Rats Act 1933, (Application to Mink) Order 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence from my Department. Licences are issued under this legislation only if the applicant, following an inspection carried out by officials from my Department, is found to be compliant with a number of key conditions.
Licensed fur farms are also inspected by my Department to assess compliance with the Council of Europe recommendations concerning fur animals and Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. These inspections have found that the licensed fur farms have been operating in compliance with current legislation. Inspections have also found that the slaughter methods employed by the licensed fur farms are permitted under the Sixth Schedule of the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations 1995, which gives effect to Council Directive 93/119/EC. My Department will continue to keep in close contact with the fur industry and to monitor the operation of the licensed fur farms.