To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with reference to the answer of 19 February 2007, Official Report, column 195W, on whaling, what response his Department made to the letter referred to from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; if he will place a copy of that response in the Library; and if he will make a statement. (186048)

The former Secretary of State, in his response to the letter of 19 January 2006 from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on international whaling, offered help where possible, in promoting UK policy on whales with the target countries listed in the letter. He also stated that DFID has limited engagement with countries that are not members of the International Whaling Commission.

A copy of the letter, dated 5 February 2006, has been placed in the Library of the House. DFID officials will continue to remain aware of any critical developments in international whaling that might affect international development issues.