HC Deb 18 April 1972 vol 835 cc209-10
5. Mr. Nicholas Edwards

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the powers he has to restrict the import of whale meat and other whale products.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Anthony Stodart)

I have none, Sir.

Mr. Edwards

Many people feel that this country should follow the example of the United States and a number of other countries and ban the import of whale products.

Mr. Stodart

I think that that would imply that all whaling should be prohibited. I do not consider that such drastic action would be justified, although effective conservation is necessary.

Mr. James Johnson

Why does the Minister not seek powers? Can he not follow the example of his colleagues in the Department of Trade and Industry who only a few weeks ago sought and obtained powers to ban the import of the skins of many cats such as jaguar, puma, tiger and so forth? This is important for conservation and for decent and good living.

Mr. Stodart

While my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture does not have the powers, in fact powers to ban import of whales are available to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

Mr. Money

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that over 50 Members on both sides of the House have already signed Early Day Motion No. 278 on the preservation of the species and that public feeling in the country is very strong indeed on this subject—so strong that I am told that some letters have even been received by the Secretary of State for Wales.

Mr. Stodart

I am very conscious indeed of public feeling, which has been expressed in many letters which I have received from hon. Members. I would merely point out that it is important to tackle this at the root, that is by means of conservation, and this country is playing a very considerable part in this direction. It may be of some encouragement to hon. Members to know that lower catch limits have been agreed for the future.

Mr. Dalyell

How can the Minister talk about drastic action when the drastic situation is that these whales are likely to become extinct?

Mr. Stodart

I did not hear what the hon. Member said.

Mr. Dalyell

In the Minister of State's reply, his departmental brief said "drastic action". How can he talk about drastic action when these whales are likely to become extinct?

Mr. Stodart

I do not think that that is what I said, but I will see tomorrow from Hansard whether I used the words "drastic action".