HC Deb 09 February 1911 vol 21 cc420-2
Mr. STANIER

asked whether the Government had any information as to Russia having introduced a Bill into the Duma, seeking to enlarge her territorial waters for fishing purposes from the recognised three-mile limit to twelve miles; and, if so, if this is against treaty rights?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The proposed extension of the exclusive fishery limits of Russia from three to twelve miles would be contrary, not to any treaty between the United Kingdom and that country, but to the generally accepted doctrines of international law.

Sir GEORGE DOUGHTY

asked whether any, and, if so, what representations have been made to the Russian Government on the Bill introduced into the Russian Duma seeking to enlarge the territorial waters for fishing purposes from the recognised three-mile limit to twelve miles in the White Sea and the Sea of Archangel; and whether he is aware that if such Bill is allowed to become law a serious blow will be struck at the British fishing industry and a great injury done to the fish-consuming public of Great Britain by further restricting the area from which their supplies are drawn.

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

His Majesty's Ambassador at St. Petersburgh, who had already made representations to the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs in this matter, has recently been instructed to address an official protest to the Russian Government against the proposal to extend the fishery limits of Russia beyond the ordinary distance of three miles from shore, as being contrary to the generally accepted doctrines of international law. The Secretary of State is fully alive to the importance of the British interests involved in this question.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will the House be informed as soon as the reply is received?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

We shall be very glad to give any information.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will you give me information?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Yes.

Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

Will my hon. Friend take into consideration also the injury done to British fisheries in inshore waters?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise.