§ 37. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a statement on the future supply of bearskins for use by the British army.
§ Mr. H. FraserThe Brigade of Guards require about 300 bearskin caps a year. I understand that there may be difficulty in future in obtaining sufficient pelts of suitable quality, and this problem is being investigated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply.
Recently, the Brigade of Guards received an offer from the Mayor of Timmins, Ontario, to organise a hunt which would produce a large number of bearskins. The Brigade expressed their gratitude for the offer which has been conveyed to the Minister of Supply.
§ Mr. ThomsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable concern that the Army appears to be encouraging the organised massacre of these small Canadian bears when they ought to be exploring means of finding a substitute? Can he say whether the letter from the Brigade of Guards to this Canadian township, which appears to approve proposals being made for a large-scale hunt, was written with the authority of the Secretary of State for War?
§ Mr. FraserNo, Sir. The offer was made direct to the Brigade of Guards and we have now properly passed it to the Ministry of Supply. I should make it clear, on the other point, that this offer is a very friendly one which we have no intention of refusing. At the same time, we think that the Canadians ought to be told exactly what type and quality of pelts are wanted so that there is no needless and wasteful killing. The Ministry of Supply is making arrangements along these lines.