HC Deb 25 November 1953 vol 521 cc346-8
33. Mr. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what answer he has sent to the petition signed by nearly 1,000 Grimsby trawler men's wives and organised by Mrs. Irene White, 72, Daubney Street, Cleethorpes, which asked him to take decisive action to settle the Icelandic fishing limits dispute, since it may make it impossible for British trawlers to make a living in Icelandic waters and cause unemployment and distress in the Grimsby district.

Mr. Nutting

I replied to Mrs. White on behalf of my right hon. Friend on 23rd November; and will send my hon. Friend a copy of my letter.

Mr. Osborne

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable anxiety in the district that this dispute has lasted so long? Is there anything he can do to break the deadlock? Is he aware that the matter is causing considerable anxiety to the traders and to the whole people of Grimsby and district? Is there any hope that the dispute may be settled in the near future?

Mr. Nutting

As my hon. Friend knows, we have made many propositions to the Icelandic Government for taking this matter to the International Court, for direct talks between Governments and for direct talks between the trawling interests, and we have made proposals through diplomatic channels. All these have either been rejected or frustrated by the Icelandic Government. Should any further ideas occur to the Government we shall, of course, try them out. Meanwhile, we think that the Icelandic Government might make a proposal.

Mrs. Braddock

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Foreign Office are not being held to blackmail by the Trawler Owners' Association?

Mr. Osborne

Nonsense.

Mrs. Braddock

Can the hon. Gentleman give some explanation of the fact that on 26th October a fish merchant in Grimsby asked the representative of the Grimsby Trawlers Owners' Association why the Foreign Office was not doing more in this matter and the amazing reply he received was, "Because we will not let them"? Can the hon. Gentleman give any explanation of that position?

Mr. Nutting

The Government are not being held to blackmail by the trawling industry, nor are they responsible for the answers which individual trawler owners or fishermen may give.