§ 54. Sir C. YATEasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to prevent the extermination of whales, seals and walrus in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Mr. W. R. Smith)The Ministry has no jurisdiction in either the Arctic or Antarctic regions, and I am unable to say precisely what steps are being taken to prevent the extermination of the animals referred to in the question.
Mr. SMITHI have, however, ascertained from my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that whaling and sealing are strictly controlled in the Falkland islands and their Dependencies, and that research into whaling will be undertaken on a considerable scale, on behalf of the Government of the Falkland Islands, by the vessel "Discovery" and at the marine station which is being established in South Georgia. The scientific staff has now been appointed, the party for the marine station will embark in the autumn, and the ship will sail as soon as her reconstruction can be completed.
§ Sir L. LYLECan the hon. Gentleman say whether anything has been done to prevent the extermination of patient oxen?