§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps the Government are taking to ensure that a policy of whale conservation is retained for the United Kingdom, other EC countries and other international bodies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe Government have long been in the lead in pressing for the conservation of whales. The moratorium achieved under the International Whaling Commission is still in place after its review last year and the number of whales taken for scientific whaling purposes during the moratorium has been greatly reduced by the pressures of the IWC. Further, the European Community has prohibited trade in whale products. The Government will continue to work for the conservation of whales through all possible means.