§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the Government of Canada concerning the subsidising of commercial seal hunts. [35896]
§ Mr. FatchettWe have made no representations to the Canadian Government on the specific question of subsidies for commercial seal hunting. However, we do raise the general question of seal culling at suitable opportunities at senior levels with the Canadian Government and they are fully aware of the strength of opposition in the UK to the practice. I understand that the Canadian Federal Government subsidy for seal meat will be phased out in 1999.