HC Deb 25 February 1946 vol 419 cc327-8W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Food whether the production of nine floating and three shore whale-oil factories will be handled by his Department; upon what basis was the original estimated output of 200,000 tons made; on what grounds it is now considered that only 50 per cent. Will be obtained; and whether there is to be any control of this fishing to conserve stocks for the future.

Sir B. Smith

Nine floating factories and three land stations are operating in the Antarctic. Of these, three floating factories and one land station are British and their oil will be handled by my Department. The original estimate of this season's total catch, which was not 200,000 tons but 135,000, was based on the known capacity of the plant operating under average conditions. It has had to be revised because the catch so far has been poor owing to abnormal weather. Whaling operations are the subject of international agreement. As regards the conservation of stocks, I would refer the hon. Member to the White Paper issued on 22nd January which includes a statement of proposals for the future.