Japan: Dolphins

Mr. Greg Knight
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with Japan about the slaughter of dolphins by Japanese fishermen; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Howells
There have been no recent discussions between my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and Japanese Ministers on this issue. However, at this year’s meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in May 2007 the UK once again highlighted our concerns over Japan’s small cetacean (dolphins and porpoises) hunts.

The UK recognises with deep concern that the protection and conservation of small cetaceans is very limited. Small cetaceans continue to be hunted in Japan and many other parts of the world, often at unsustainable levels. We believe that the IWC should take a strong stance in favour of the protection of small cetaceans and the UK will continue to ask Japan for assurances that legislation regulating these hunts will be improved and enforced.