§ 38. Mr. Raphael Tuckasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many sperm whales annually are killed by all countries which participate in whaling; what proportion of kills is accounted for by Russia and Japan; and what is the estimated annual replacement rate.
§ Mr. BishopThe number of sperm whales killed over the past 12 months is estimated to be about 19,000, of which about 80 per cent. were taken by Russian or Japanese vessels. The present annual replacement rate has been estimated at about 16,000, and at its meeting last month the International Whaling Commission agreed on a quota of 12,676 for the forthcoming season.