§ Lord Brockwayasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their attitude to the decisions of the International Whaling Commission to ban commercial whaling from 1986 and to reduce next year's quota by 25 per cent., and whether they will co-operate in reinforcement of this decision.
Earl FerrersThe Government greatly welcome the decision of the International Whaling Commission to suspend all commercial whaling, even though the suspension will not become operative until the 1985–86 pelagic season and the 1986 coastal season. The decision, which was supported by the United Kingdom delegation, should lift the threat of extinction from some important stocks of whales. The catch limits, which are set for the coming seasons, also show a significant reduction from those which were set last year. This should help to facilitate the orderly run-down of the whaling industries in the countries concerned.
The Government hope that the decision on the suspension of commercial whaling will now be implemented in the normal way.