Senator FAULKNER —My question is directed to Senator Hill, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. Can the minister confirm that Australia's representatives at the UNESCO meeting in Kyoto discussed with Mexico's representatives a deal whereby Australia would support Mexico in its attempt to allow a salt extraction project near a world heritage whale breeding ground, in return for Mexico's support for the minister's attempts to allow a uranium mine at Jabiluka?

Senator HILL (Environment and Heritage) —That is the first time I have ever heard that suggested.

Senator FAULKNER —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. Will the minister make inquiries of Australia's delegates at the Kyoto meeting to establish whether or not such discussions took place? Will he undertake to report back to the Senate on this matter? I would also like an assurance to the Senate from the minister that the government would never contemplate such a tawdry and unprincipled deal.

Senator HILL (Environment and Heritage) —It is offensive to Mr Beale and the other Australian public servants, who are up there trying to protect Australia's interests in circumstances where they are being undermined by the Labor Party and the Democrats back in Australia. I have no doubt at all that they would not seek to negotiate in the terms that you have put to the Senate. I will speak to them, if you wish me to.

Senator Carr —Well, rule it out.

Senator HILL —I have not spoken to them, but knowing these people and knowing that they are not under any instructions, I would be confident that they would not seek to deal in that way. I actually find it quite offensive, Madam President.