§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what discussions he has had with European Community Ministers about preventing the Japanese from killing whales; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what discussions he has had with European Community Ministers about imposing economic sanctions on Japan because of that country's continuation of killing whales.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 23 March 1989]We have made clear our serious concerns about the current Japanese feasibility programme of whaling for scientific purposes both directly to the Japanese Government on several occasions and through the International Whaling Commission. The European Community does not have competence on whaling matters as such but those member states with an interest in whaling are members of the IWC and we consult with them in that forum.