§ 17. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Food what amounts of whale oil and whale meat it is anticipated will become available for this country as a result of the forthcoming whaling season in, the Antarctic; and whether he is satisfied that the proposed catch of whales will not in any way endanger future supplies.
§ Mr. StracheyIt is not possible at present to give a reliable forecast of the tonnage of oil and meat likely to be obtained during the coming whaling season. The limit of 16,000 blue whale units imposed by international agreement will be observed and a catch of such dimensions should not, in the opinion of the experts, endanger future supplies.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportIs the Minister aware that the experts have also issued a statement to the contrary, to the effect that an annual killing of 16,000 whales will render them extinct in the South Polar Sea?
§ Mr. StracheyOther experts have been inclined to take the view that in view of the extreme shortage of oils and fats, this figure ought to be raised for the next few years, so there is a very strong conflict of expert opinion on the subject.