WRITTEN QUESTION P-0438/00

by Piia-Noora Kauppi (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 February 2000)

Subject: The effects of a British fur farming ban on the internal market

The United Kingdom is planning to outlaw fur farming in England and Wales. According to the proposal, the keeping of animals solely for their fur would be banned from 2003 onwards. The House of Commons introduced a Fur Farming Prohibition Bill on 25 February 1999. The bill passed its second reading on 5 March 1999. The bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 22 November 1999. Now the proposal for new legislation is being considered by the Commission.

According to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry, Elliot Morley, the Government believes it is wrong for animals to be slaughtered for their fur. He states that it is not consistent with a proper value and respect for animal life. The reasoning behind the abolition of the British fur industry is based on moral grounds as there is no moral justification for fur farming in UK, as Elliot Morley says. According to this view it is not normally questionable to kill a cow for its leather but the killing of a mink for its pelt is condemned on moral grounds.

Has the Commission considered the impact of this planned fur ban not only on the British fur farming industry but also on the internal market of the European Union? Would the ban be compatible with the trade rules or might the ban, in the Commission's view, hinder directly or indirectly, actually or potentially, intra-Community trade?

What measures will the Commission take if this ban is realised? Has the Commission considered the fact that banning fur farming in Europe would just result in the industry moving outside Europe and outside the control of the authorities of the European Union and its Member States?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(9 March 2000)

The Commission is aware of the United Kingdom's proposed legislation banning the rearing of animals destined to be killed for their fur. The draft legislation has been communicated to the Commission under the provisions of Directive 98/34/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations(1).

Under the provisions of this Directive a standstill period of three months is applicable from the date of communication of the text of the proposed legislation by the Member State concerned. This period expires on 13 March 2000.

The Commission is currently examining the measures communicated by the United Kingdom in the light of the applicable provisions of the Community law including those mentioned by the Honourable Member.

If following the completion of this examination the Commission were to conclude that proposed United Kingdom legislation appeared to be incompatible with Community law it would inform that Member State of its observations on the matter in accordance with the procedure laid down in Directive 98/34/EC.

The Commission will inform the Honourable Member of its position on this issue as soon as it has taken a definitive decision under the above-mentioned Directive.

(1) OJ L 204, 21.7.1998.