§ 55. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the recent decision of the Court of International Justice in the Norwegian fisheries claim based on the Norwegian decree of 12th July, 1935, extending the Norwegian fisheries zone, diminishes the area of British fishing rights; and when, in these circumstances, he intends to take steps to extend the British fisheries zone.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe reply to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I have nothing at present to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland to the hon. Members for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir D. Robertson) and for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) on 29th January.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister agree that it is urgently necessary to apply this doctrine to the Moray Firth and east and west coasts of Scotland in the interests of not only the fishermen there but also of the consumers of fish all over this island?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI am aware that there are many problems involved, but I would remind the House that the general issues raised by the decision of The Hague Court are of a very far-reaching and important character and require mature consideration