MINK farms in East Lancashire face closure after after a House of Commons Bill received overwhelming cross-party support at its second reading.

But Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has called for " full and proper" compensation for mink farmers.

The Bill, backed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was supported by 127 MPs, including Burnley MP Peter Pike.

Farms in Fence and Mellor, which operate quietly to avoid attracting animal rights protesters will be affected.

Mr Evans was not present for the Commons vote, but said he could not support a Bill that would destroy a business in his constituency.

The Bill, proposed by Liverpool MP Maria Eagle, will stop the slaughter of tens of thousands of mink in the UK each year for their pelts and see fines of up to £20,000 imposed on anyone keeping any animal solely for its fur from 2002.

Countryside Minister Elliott Morley has said the farm closures will be phased in as soon as practicable.

A spokesman for the British Fur Trade Association said: "It is disappointing that the Bill was not dismissed, but its progress to committee stage will give us the opportunity to present the true facts of fur farming and destroy the myths promoted by the animal rights lobby.

"We think this Bill will be seen for what it is. A potentially bad piece of legislation that will do nothing for the welfare of fur-farmed animals.

"Our fur farmers have spent a lifetime looking after their animals and long for the more enlightened attitude of European countries, where 8,000 fur farmers contribute to their local economies."

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