HC Deb 22 February 1956 vol 549 cc349-50
3. Wing Commander Bullus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now able to make a statement about the fisheries dispute between Great Britain and Iceland.

16. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now make a comprehensive statement on the present position of the Icelandic fisheries dispute and, in particular, on the recent talks under the auspices of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation on the subject.

Lord John Hope

These discussions which are expected to be resumed shortly, are confidential. I can, therefore, make no statement.

Wing Commander Bullus

Is the hon. Gentleman entirely satisfied with the pace of the negotiations? Could they not be hurried up, because they have been dragging for some years?

Lord John Hope

I think we really are now getting to the last and successful stage of these long-drawn-out negotiations.

Mr. Younger

May I ask whether the present negotiations are entirely representative of the industries or whether the Governments are engaged?

Lord John Hope

They are between the industries concerned.

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