§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 4 June,Official Report, column 642, when he expects to announce Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the French proposal for an Antarctic whale sanctuary; whether he is awaiting scientific advice on that proposal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThe French proposal for an Antarctic whale sanctuary addresses a number of issues to the International Whaling Commission's scientific committee, now in session at Glasgow. This is an interesting proposal; we shall need to consider the scientists' advice on it when available; and we will take full part in the IWC's deliberations about it at the 44th annual meeting in Glasgow from 29 June to 3 July.