§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he is making in preparations for the humane killing workshop preceding the International Whaling Commission meeting in June; what initiatives he has taken and plans to take to ensure the protection of small cetaceans; what measures he is taking to prevent the resumption of commercial whaling; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryPrior to the next meeting of the International Whaling Commission and at the request of the United Kingdom, a special workshop of experts will be held on 20 to 22 June under the independent chairmanship of Professor Sir Richard Harrison FRS to review all aspects of the methods used to take and kill whales. The agenda for the next IWC meeting will be a full one and the Government will continue to work hard for the conservation and protection of whales and other cetaceans. The need to ensure that there is clear scientific advice that whale stock can be maintained at healthy levels, that there is a revised and effective procedure in place for managing stocks and that the methods used to take whales are humane will remain paramount.