To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he last met the Japanese ambassador to discuss the Japanese whaling fleet's intention to kill 935 minke whales, 50 fin whales and 50 humpback whales. (175264)

[holding answer 18 December 2007]: I will shortly meet Japanese embassy officials to express the UK's outrage over Japan's plans to kill endangered whales in the Antarctic. I have had no recent discussions with the Japanese ambassador on this issue.

The UK has consistently criticised Japan for her lethal whaling operations that are authorised under special permits (so called “scientific” whaling) and urged Japan to end its scientific whaling activities.

We are considering a high level diplomatic protest to the Japanese Government, following consultation with like-minded anti-whaling countries.