HC Deb 13 July 1953 vol 517 cc1703-4
27. Sir R. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the unilateral action already taken by certain Powers, he will give renewed consideration to the question of closing the valuable spawning grounds of the Moray Firth against the depredations of foreign trawlers.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The question whether Her Majesty's Government should apply to the British coast the baseline methods approved by The Hague Court in the case of Norway remains under consideration. As my hon. Friend will realise, in so far as any action to close the Moray Firth to foreign trawlers would involve a change in our policy in regard to territorial waters, Her Majesty's Government have to take into account all the political, strategic and economic effects which might follow.

Sir R. Boothby

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this matter has been under the active consideration of successive Governments for rather over 25 years? As there is no doubt whatsoever what ought to be done in the interests of the fishing industry, does my right hon. and learned Friend not think it is about time that Her Majesty's Government came to a decision to do the right thing?

Mr. Lloyd

I quite see that this course would be in the interests of the fishing industry. Unfortunately, there are many other interests which we also have to consider, and for this country to take action to extend the scope of territorial waters would be a serious matter for us.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Does my right hon. and learned Friend not agree that with the great dangers we face in England of over-fishing, we should consider taking the same action as other nations take on this very vexed question?

Mr. Lloyd

If this matter is regarded from the point of view of conservation, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture should be asked about it.

Mr. Younger

Will the Minister of State avoid taking any action which appears to sanction as a general proposition the finding of The Hague Court in a particular case with Norway in recent proceedings?

Sir R. Boothby

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.