§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the numbers of whales of protected species which have been killed during each of the past three years.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithCurrently all stocks of blue, bowhead, humpback and right whales are classified as protected by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Prior to 1978–79 all stocks of grey whales were similarly classified. The total recorded catch of these species in the past three years, for which figures are available, is as follows:
1974–75 198 1975–76 224 1976–77 225
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that the British attitude expressed at the meetings of the International Whaling Commission will strongly support the marked limitation or eradication of whaling activity; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy right hon. Friend the Minister is presently reviewing United Kingdom policy on whaling. The Government's policy will be made clear in the opening speech which I shall make to the annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission on 9 July.