Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what representations he has received on (a) the sourcing of bearskin hats from Canada and (b) the method by which those bears are killed.

I can confirm that the Department has received representations from organisations and members of the public concerning the sourcing of bearskin hats, and the methods by which the bears are killed, with which we continue to engage.

Please be assured however that bears are never hunted to order for use by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Bear pelts that are used by the MOD are by-products of legal and licensed hunts authorised by each individual Canadian Province and Territory to manage the wild bear population.

Furs used by Defence are only procured via local Canadian suppliers with a ‘Furmark’ accreditation. This is a global certification and traceability system for natural furs that guarantees animal welfare and environmental standards, and in turn ensures the ethical sourcing and sustainability of the fur.