§ 24. Sir David Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why a copy of the Icelandic Fish Contract has not yet been placed in the Library.
Mr. McNeilIt would be contrary to established practice to make public the terms of an individual Government contract.
§ Sir D. RobertsonWhat can there possibly be in this contract which is causing the Government to refuse to show it to hon. Members of this House? Is it because very large losses have been incurred in delivering rotten fish to the Germans which they will not accept, and for which we have to pay?
Mr. McNeilThe hon. Gentleman is making an assumption which is quite unwarranted. The schedule of deliveries to the Germans was quite well defined, and the question of two cargoes which were received was outside the definition. As to the first part of his supplementary question, I should imagine that the hon. Gentleman, who has an extensive experience of the fish distribution business, would scarcely argue that it would contribute to normal activity if the prices of one or two of the partners in the activity were published.
§ Mr. William ShepherdWould the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether or not this contract involved guaranteed prices to the Icelanders?
Mr. McNeilMy recollection is that, as is normal in contracts covering such a period, there were agreed minimum prices.