HC Deb 22 May 1952 vol 501 cc648-9
15. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give an estimate of the annual loss to British fishing interests that will result from the Government of Iceland's proposals regarding Icelandic territorial waters.

Sir T. Dugdale

It is not possible to give a close estimate, but the quantity of fish taken by British vessels in the waters off Iceland which have now been closed to them was probably about 25,000 tons per annum, or possibly rather more. Some of this loss will be made up by vessels fishing outside the new line or in other waters.

Major Anstruther-Gray

In view of the fact that these are very considerable figures, can my right hon. and gallant Friend give the House an assurance that the last word in this matter has not been spoken between us and the Icelandic Government?

Sir T. Dugdale

Certainly, Sir. The Icelandic Government's reply to the British Government's Note is at present under consideration, and further comment must be deferred until there has been time to study it. I cannot today go further than the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State to the hon. Member for Leith (Mr. Hoy) on 19th May.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Would my right hon. and gallant Friend consider some form of sanction against the Icelandic Government if we should not get a satisfactory reply, such as a limit to their vessels fishing off our coasts?

Sir T. Dugdale

I cannot go further than what I have said today.

Mr. Hoy

May I ask the Minister what he meant when he said that this loss might be compensated for by fishing in other grounds? What other fishing grounds will recoup this loss, in view of the fact that all fishing grounds are being over-fished at the present time?

Sir T. Dugdale

As the hon. Member realises, new grounds for fishing are being found every day, and, in addition to this, of course, by closing certain waters round Iceland, it is probable that, just outside the territorial waters, the fishing will be better than it was in the past; but I cannot over-estimate the seriousness which we attach to the position.