HC Deb 04 February 1952 vol 495 cc634-5
43. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the decision of the Court of International Justice in the recent Norwegian fisheries case will greatly diminish the fishing grounds available to British fishermen and will thereby diminish the potential supplies of fish for the British people; and how he proposes to make good this loss of food and to secure adequate supplies of fish.

Major Lloyd George

The exclusion of British fishermen from certain grounds off the Norwegian coast is not likely seriously to diminish supplies of British caught fish. I hope that any loss will be made up in other areas.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister take steps to apply to British territorial waters the unprecedented principle applied by the Court of International Justice to Norwegian waters?

Major Lloyd George

I cannot answer that question. I would remind the hon. and learned Gentleman that it is the finding of the Court of International Justice.

Mr. C. W. Gibson

In view of the repercussions of the decision by the Court of International Justice on other fishing grounds and of the very great damage it may do to the interests of British fishermen, will the Government do their best to protect British fishermen in those and other waters?

Major Lloyd George

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Donnelly

Will the Minister try to get the White Fish Authority to produce some constructive proposals soon, as this is really the important question today regarding fish?