§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations about bear baiting in Pakistan to the Government of Pakistan. [148561]
§ Mr. BattleThe British high commission in Islamabad has raised the issue of bear baiting with the Pakistani authorities on several occasions. It will continue to convey the strength of public opinion in the UK over the exploitation and ill-treatment of these animals, and will encourage the Government of Pakistan to find ways to enforce the law against bear baiting more effectively.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the Government of Pakistan to co-operate with the World Society for the Protection of Animals in its campaign to eradicate bear baiting in Pakistan. [148562]
§ Mr. BattleWe noted that the Government of Pakistan, through their high commission in London, have expressed their appreciation to the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) for its commitment in developing the Kund Park bear sanctuary to house bears confiscated from their owners. The British high commission in Islamabad will continue to raise our concerns over bear baiting with the Pakistani authorities.