§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what recent discussions she has had with the Japanese Foreign Minister over her country's relationship with developing countries at the International Whaling Commission; and if she will make a statement; [31516]
(2) what assessment she has made of the Japanese relationship with developing countries at the International Whaling Commission; and if she will make a statement. [31515]
§ Mr. MorleyNo discussions have taken place.
The UK Government would not and could not condone action directly linking overseas aid in exchange for support of any particular whaling policies. At the last annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission, we sponsored a resolution, agreed by consensus, which stressed the importance of transparency and lack of undue interference or coercion from other members within the IWC.