§ 47. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to secure the alteration of the international agreement restricting the killing of whales, in view of the difficult oil and fat position.
§ The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (Mr. Thomas Williams)None, Sir. I am not satisfied that the limit can be relaxed without permanently endangering supplies of whale oil.
§ Mr. ShepherdIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that expert opinion, by no means ill-informed, does think it could take place as a temporary measure?
§ Mr. WilliamsYes, but this limit was imposed by international agreement on the advice of scientists who were of the opinion that stocks of whales were in danger of depletion.
§ Mr. HoggIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer will give widespread satisfaction to whales throughout the world?