JUST before Christmas I wrote asking the people of Yorkshire and Humberside not to be tempted to buy gifts that could encourage the deplorable trade in dog and cat fur.

Following pressure from the European Union (EU), I am delighted to say that senior officials in the Chinese government have vowed to stamp out this trade, which they described as "illegal and barbaric".

The problem has been that while the EU can take stringent measures in respect of animal welfare within its own borders, under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, as currently interpreted, animal welfare provisions cannot be made a condition for banning imports from third countries.

I have been working with Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, the EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner, to introduce a Europe-wide ban.

I am pleased to be able to report that there will be no opposition in China to his directive banning the import, export and trade in cat and dog skins across the EU.

Indeed senior Chinese government officials in Beijing made it quite clear that they would regard an EU ban as helpful in their fight to stamp out this cruel trade.

We can now proceed with all possible speed to get approval for an outright ban.

Timothy Kirkhope, Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, (MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber), Beechwood Farm, Main Street, Scotton, North Yorkshire.