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Whales

Volume 928: debated on Friday 25 March 1977

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asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if his Department treats as Royal fish, whales taken outside the three-mile territorial limit but inside the 200-mile fishing limit;(2) whether any non-EEC country has been granted, or is likely to be granted, a right to take whales, dolphins or porpoises inside the United Kingdom's 200-mile fishing limits; and what action would be taken if an unauthorised vessel were found doing so.

Whales are Royal fish, but this has no effect outside territorial waters. No country has sought the right to take whales, dolphins or porpoises inside United Kingdom fishery limits. If any action were necessary it would be taken in the light of the provisions of the Whaling Industry (Regulation) Act 1934.