To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Government expect to achieve their aim of an EU-wide ban on the use of seal products. (138074)

[holding answer 18 May 2007]: Only the European Commission can make proposals for an EU-wide import ban.

European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas has commissioned a study on the animal welfare aspects including humaneness of seal culling. The study is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Once this study has been completed, the Commission will decide whether to propose further legislative measures.