§ Commander Keransasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) why he has allowed a private firm to exterminate baby seals in addition to the quota authorised in annual culls by his Department;
(2) what consultations he has had with Orca Industries of Scotland regarding the slaughter of baby seals off The Wash and contiguous areas; and what liaison his Department maintains with Mr. Christie and his team to ensure humane killing.
§ Mr. SoamesI have not authorised anyone to kill seals, except for the annual cull on the Farne Islands. Such authority is only necessary for grey seals and then only during the period when they are protected between 1st September to 31st December. I have had no occasion to consult with Orca Marine Industries about its activities in The Wash, and I have no powers of intervention.