Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to oral question asked by Ms. Mike on November 20, 1992 concerning additional renewable resource officers. After reviewing the transcripts I believe that the Member was asking me two questions. First, was I or my deputy minister briefed by officers who were out on patrol about the hunting that took place several weeks ago on the Ingraham Trail?

Second, did the Department of Renewable Resources have plans in place when caribou appeared in large numbers along the Ingraham Trail?

Mr. Speaker, the answer to the first question is, no. I have not been briefed by officers who were out on patrol. I also did not discuss enforcement activities with the officer who I accompanied when I flew out to Ross Lake to monitor the caribou movements. I rely on my deputy minister to provide me with information on any enforcement action that departmental staff may have taken. My deputy minister received this information from the regional superintendents who are directors to whom officers report.

The answer to the second question is, yes. Since the no hunting corridor came into effect in 1988, the department has had plans to respond to the appearance of a large number of caribou along the Ingraham Trail. These plans include bringing extra staff, doing extra road patrols, setting up check stations and conducting aerial flights to monitor caribou movements. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.