Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member has been the victim of misinformation.
On the whole issue of the tobacco conference, the government has joined with other governments to give money to the International Development Research Centre looking at the issue of tobacco use in developing countries.
The government has given that group $700,000 over a period of three years. The group is now holding its meeting to fund
raise. The World Bank and other international organizations will be at the meeting to contribute more money to the fund.
It is being held in Italy because the site has been donated by the Rockefeller Foundation. It is being held in Europe because most of the members will come from the eastern European bloc countries and it will be cheaper for them to attend.
Health Canada has not been asked to attend. No Health Canada officials are going.