(a)   What is the most recent advice the Government has received in regard to potential legal action against Japan’s whaling program; and (b) at what point will the Government view that its diplomatic efforts have not succeeded and that legal action may be required to stop Japan’s whaling program.

(a)   It has been the practice of successive governments not to provide information on the content of legal advice given to the Government.

(b)   The Government is continually reviewing progress with respect to resolving Japan’s special permit (so-called ‘scientific’) whaling and will make a decision in due course on the success or otherwise of diplomatic efforts.