Mr RUDD (2:41 PM) —My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister agree to take an action against Japan in the International Court of Justice with the objective of stopping Japan’s general practice of culling whales for so-called ‘scientific purposes’?

Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) —As I think the member for Griffith would understand on an issue like this, when we are dealing with a nation that is a close friend of Australia and that is very important to Australia for a whole variety of reasons, one does not jump to the next move that one might consider making without having exhausted other moves. The sensible thing for this government to do, and what the government intends to do, is to continue to pursue a diplomatic path. You never completely rule things out but, I have to say, taking legal action against Japan in the International Court of Justice would be a very significant thing to do.

We will continue to pursue the diplomatic path. That diplomatic path also involves, of course, taking the matter to the International Whaling Commission and arguing our case there. It is not, I believe, productive for this country to adopt an arm’s length belligerence towards Japan. It makes no sense. It is not more likely to get a result. It is far more likely to get a result if we pursue the matter in a diplomatic fashion. And if, on the basis of those results, we believe that some further action is necessary then we will give consideration to it. I think the action that is currently being taken is the right action.