49. Commander Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals to settle the dispute between British and Icelandic fishing interests have resulted from his discussions with the Icelandic Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NuttingI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which my 1007 right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Edward Evans) on 15th October.
§ Mrs. BraddockIs the Minister aware that this dispute has meant that yesterday 4s. 10d. was charged for 10 stone of cod? It was just exactly double what it was a month ago. In view of the very serious difficulties created for the housewives, can he expedite the discussions which are going on?
§ Mr. NuttingWe shall certainly expedite the consideration of this question. I am well aware that there are many considerable difficulties involved, such as those which the hon. Lady has raised.
§ Mr. WoodburnWould the hon. Gentleman say if the Government have been able to impress upon the Icelandic Government the great difficulty of making unilateral decisions on matters of this kind and the fact that it is not right for that Government to cause great hardship to the fishermen of this country without discussing these matters on a dual basis?
§ Mr. NuttingI thought I had made known to the House that that was precisely the point of view we put to the Icelandic Government, but I am glad to have an opportunity of repeating it.
Miss WardWould my hon. Friend bear in mind the difficulties and problems of the fishermen, who are of paramount importance in this dispute?
§ Mr. NuttingI am doing my best to bear in mind all the relevant considerations in regard to this very thorny problem.
Commander MaitlandIs my hon. Friend aware that a very serious situation is developing here, which is going to get very much worse during the winter, and that this matter should be treated as one of great urgency, otherwise our fishermen in the North Sea will be very seriously affected?
§ Mr. NuttingYes, Sir.