§ 64. Sir GERALD STRICKLANDasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that the Government of New Zealand has protested against the extent of facilities allowed to foreigners to slaughter whales in seas around New Zealand; whether an appeal has been made to the Imperial authorities to co-operate with New Zealand in the protection of whales; and whether a policy of discrimination against foreign whaling ships in British ports will be countenanced or allowed?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second and third parts, the question of co-operation between the different Governments of the Empire which are concerned in the protection of whales is under discussion. As regard the question of flag discrimination, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Resolution of the Imperial Economic Conference of 1923, which will be found on page 11 of Cmd. 1990.
§ Sir G. STRICKLANDHas my hon. Friend seen the report in the Press to the effect that the statement in the first part of this question is accurate?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI am advised by my Department to the effect indicated in the reply I have given. I am not sure that the report to which the hon. Member refers is necessarily accurate.
§ Sir G. STRICKLANDIs it in the interests of this House that the Department should he considered infallible?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs not the hon. Member practically qualifying for the post of "Prince of Whales"?