§ 22. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that in 1902 Great Britain, with Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Holland, Sweden and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics were founder members of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea; what countries are now members of that Council; and what steps Her Majesty's Government have since taken and are now taking to extend the membership, scope and usefulness of that Council.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. G. R. H. Nugent)Yes, Sir. The present members are Belgium, France, Iceland, the Republic of Ireland, Poland, Portugal and Spain in addition to the eight founder countries. These are all the principal fishing nations within the Council's area. Her Majesty's Government have supported the admission of new members and have always taken a prominent part in the Council's activities.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister realise that this is one of the most important and instructive international bodies at present operating, and will he take steps to make available a full account of its work?
§ Mr. NugentIf there are any aspects of the Council's work that the hon. and learned Gentleman wishes to have, I shall be very pleased to supply them to him.