HC Deb 30 July 1924 vol 176 cc2057-8
57. Colonel Sir CHARLES YATE

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, considering that there has been a considerable increase in the catch of whales as compared with last year in Shetland, he will inquire into the question as to whether there is any danger of the extermination of these animals and publish the result of his inquiry in his review at the close of the present season?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Adamson)

Whaling operations in Shetland are conducted under a licensing system which restricts the number of steamers employed, and I do not think that those operations can, of themselves, involve material danger of extermination of the species of whales concerned. In the circumstances I do not consider that any such inquiry is necessary or would serve any useful purpose.