Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 2 November 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Marine Bill

Question: Like others, I am looking forward to the long-anticipated publication of the marine Bill, but what will the Government do to protect wildlife beyond the 6 and 12 mile limits—particularly in the case of cetaceans, where international agreements will clearly be required—and, within those limits, to modernise the archaic regulations with regard to sea fisheries committees?

Answer: The hon. Gentleman makes an important point and I recognise his constituency interest in this area. I do not know whether he responded to the consultation on the marine Bill. The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw) has been very active in the international arena on some of the issues that the hon. Gentleman is concerned about—notably this week in respect of whaling. There is probably universal support across the House for the ban, and universal condemnation, and certainly disappointment, at the decisions recently in Iceland. The 24 European countries—I think that I am right in saying—internationally issued what is known as a démarche in Iceland. The Icelandic ambassador met my hon. Friend this week for a free and frank exchange of views about the whaling issue. One piece of good news is the announcement by Ireland this week. I am seeing the Irish Agriculture Minister and I will obviously want to congratulate her on her announcement in respect of salmon fishing.

Secondary information