§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will carry out a study of the usage of sperm whale oil in industry, with the aim of reducing this usage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellMy Department has for some time taken a close interest in the industrial usage of sperm whale oil and is now satisfied that substitutes are or can be made available for all present uses of sperm whale oil. In reply to a question on 9 July from the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Griffiths) the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced that the Government will be seeking to obtain within the EEC a Community-wide ban on imports of sperm whale oil and other derivatives. In doing so we shall continue to maintain contact with the United Kingdom interests about the introduction of the ban.