HC Deb 02 July 1952 vol 503 cc414-5
19. Mr. Hoy

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received from the Government of Iceland in reply to his last note concerning the extension of their territorial waters; and what further action he is taking to safeguard our position.

Mr. Nutting

No reply has yet been received to the Note addressed to the Icelandic Government on 18th June. I should prefer to await the Icelandic reply before making any further statement.

Mr. Hoy

In view of the long delay in replying to the last Note which was sent, could the Under-Secretary state whether any consideration has been given to the suggestion that an international conference might be held to deal with this problem?

Mr. Nutting

That question is most certainly under consideration by Her Majesty's Government, but I would ask the House not to draw me into further comment upon this matter until we have received a reply from the Icelandic Government.

Mr. Woodburn

Could not the Foreign Office give a delicate hint to Iceland that good will is a thing that works on both sides? Fishermen are getting very concerned about the sever restrictions which have been placed on their opportunities to earn a livelihood.

Mr. Nutting

The Foreign Office have given more than a delicate hint to the Icelandic Government to that effect, as has already been stated by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State.