HC Deb 16 May 1972 vol 837 cc50-1W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the basis for his calculation that the number of blue whales has risen from between 1,000 to 3,000 in 1963 to 10,000 in 1972; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

This population estimate was prepared by the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission, reviewed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and is acceptable to most scientists working in this field. It was produced by applying standard statistical techniques to the sighting sampling of survey ships.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what study he has made of the extent to which the rule of the International Whaling Corn-mission that female whales with calves should not be killed is enforced.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

My Department's officials take part in annual meetings of the commission, when the results of the inspections carried out by the Government inspectors aboard each factory ship are scrutinised. Last year the review showed 48 lactating females killed out of a total catch of 39,000.

An international observer scheme is being introduced to reinforce national inspections.