§ 3 p.m.
§ Lord Morris asked the Her Majesty's Government:
§ What consultations they have had with the Government of Canada concerning the proposed Trade Descriptions Act (Fur) (Marking) Order 1988.
§ Lord Young of GraffhamMy Lords, the proposed fur marking order has been notified under the normal GATT procedures to contracting parties, which include Canada. In addition, my honourable friend the Minister for Trade has met the Canadian High Commissioner, and my department's officials have met a number of Canadian Government representatives to discuss their concerns.
Lord MorrisMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer, but does he not realise that it is seriously misleading? Does the Minister realise that Her Majesty's Government did not consult with the Government of Canada in any way before the publication of the order and that it was the Government of Canada that consulted with the Government of the United Kingdom as regards this measure?
Perhaps I may further ask my noble friend whether his department is aware of the serious implications that this order has for the economy of some of the most vulnerable people in one of our Sovereign Lady the Queen's largest and most important territories.
§ Lord Young of GraffhamMy Lords, I am glad to be able to confirm to my noble friend that we did not consult the Canadian Government before making the order for the simple reason that we have not as yet made the order. What we have done is to go out to consultation. We are considering the position and listening to what the consultations actually say. The precise form of the order will be decided in the light of the response to the consultation letters. The consultations have reinforced our view that there is widespread public concern about the use of the leghold trap.
§ Lord GrimondMy Lords, in these consultations have the Government discussed with the Government of Canada what steps they are taking to safeguard not only the economy but, as I understand it, the whole way of life of the Eskimo Inuit people? In a recent debate in another place as regards the future constitutional position of Canada, these people made it clear that they looked to the Crown of this country as a particular friend and protector of their rights.
While having every sympathy with those who object to the methods of catching fur-bearing animals, I hope that not only the economy but the whole way of life of the Eskimos is being considered.
§ Lord Young of GraffhamMy Lords, I am not sure that it is right that they should be looking towards the Government of the United Kingdom. As regards leghold traps, their use was prohibited in the United Kingdom by the Pests Act 1954. There have been some developments towards the use of padded traps in Canada. All that the proposed order may well do is put a notice on furs that they have been caught using the leghold trap. It is not proposed in any way to prohibit the sale of these furs.
Earl CowleyMy Lords, perhaps I may ask the Minister on what quality of evidence Her Majesty's Government are relying to make the assertion contained in the order that the animals listed in the schedule are commonly—I stress "commonly"—caught in leghold traps.
§ Lord Young of GraffhamMy Lords, this is in the process of consultation which is now going on. We are looking at all the evidence that has been put to us. We are informed that these traps are used in catching the majority of fur-bearing animals. I shall be happy to listen to any representations which my noble friend would care to make to me or to my department.