HC Deb 26 October 1953 vol 518 cc2408-9
5. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in settling the fisheries dispute with the Icelandic Government; and what efforts have been made by Her Majesty's Government since the end of July to settle this dispute.

Mr. Nutting

On 20th May, my right hon. and learned Friend informed the House that Her Majesty's Government had made repeated attempts to achieve a mutually satisfactory solution of the dispute; and that they were willing to consider at any time any constructive proposals which might be put forward by the Icelandic Government.

Since then, the Icelandic Government have not themselves put forward any such proposals and recent discussions between Her Majesty's Minister and the Icelandic Government have made it plain that they have no present intention of making any proposals.

Mr. Dodds

Is it not remarkable that the Government have treated this matter so lightly, a matter in which the British housewife is a victim of vested interests, and is waging a war against the vested interests of Iceland? Should not more effective steps be taken?

Mr. Nutting

Our responsibility at the Foreign Office is purely in connection with the dispute with the Icelandic Government, and if the hon. Gentleman looks at the statement to which I referred and which was made by the Minister of State on 20th May last, he will see that we have put forward at least four proposals for solving this dispute, all of which have been rejected or frustrated by the Icelandic Government.

Lady Tweedsmuir

In view of the recent import of Icelandic fish, will the Under-Secretary say whether any representations have been made by the Government to the representatives of the fishing industry in this country, and, if so, whether the Government cannot now take the initiative with the Icelandic Government?

Mr. Nutting

As I have said in answer to the hon. Gentleman's Question, I do not see that Her Majesty's Government can take this matter any further with the Icelandic Government. We have let them know it is for them to make constructive proposals as to how this dispute should be regulated.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some Shetland fishermen do not seem able to sell the good fish they catch? There does not seem to be any shortage of good fish, because they are throwing them back into the sea.

Mr. Nutting

That is not really a matter for me.

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