§ 22 and 23. Mr. Ian Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he will now take steps to ensure that licences are not issued to sealers in South Georgia unless an undertaking is given that humane methods are used when killing the elephant seal;
(2) whether he will take steps to cancel the licences of sealers in South Georgia who are found to be using inhumane methods when killing the elephant seal.
§ Mr. LytteltonI am making inquiries into this subject and am not yet ready to make a statement.
§ Mr. HarveyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is evidence of the most inhumane methods adopted in killing these animals which bring out the most bestial aspects in the killers, and that this is a grave reflection on his Department which, I sincerely trust, he will remove at the earliest opportunity?
§ Mr. LytteltonI am making inquiries, and hope to be able to answer my hon. Friend before long.