HC Deb 20 January 1977 vol 924 cc270-1W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on his discussions with the leather industry on using sperm oil from whales.

Mr. Alan Williams

I have recently had discussions with representatives of the leather industry and oil refiners to determine more clearly the effects of a restriction in sperm whale oil supplies.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what he estimates would be the repercussions on trade and employment if the use of sperm oil were discontinued in Great Britain.

Mr. Alan Williams

From discussions with industry it has been estimated that United Kingdom exports of leather and leather goods could decline perhaps by as much as 20 per cent.-25 per cent. and between 10 per cent. and 20 per cent. of the work force in the leather industry may be affected if supplies of sperm whale oil were totally cut off. There may also be some effect on other sectors of industry.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what research is being conducted to find substitute oil for certain processes in the leather industry for which sperm oil is currently used.

Mr. Alan Williams

The report commissioned by the Department of Industry, entitled "The Utilisation of Sperm Oil by the Leather Industry" prepared by the British Leather Manufacturers Association, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, highlighted the difficulties companies in the leather industry would face in finding substitutes for sperm whale oil.

Officials of the Department of Industry are attempting to encourage a coordinated approach to research into substitutes.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what discussions he is having with the leather industry on contingency plans for the time when there are no more whales to produce sperm oil.

Mr. Alan Williams

My discussions with the leather industry have not been conducted on the basis that the sperm whale will cease to exist. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Agriculture has stated the sperm whale is not endangered and its exploitation is strictly controlled by quotas through the International Whaling Commission.