§ 35. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he estimates will be the effect on the distant water section of the British fishing fleet of the proposed six-mile territorial limit for fishing.
§ Mr. John HareI cannot forecast precisely what the effects might be: they would be much less serious, however, than those threatened by the universal application of a twelve-mile limit.
§ Mr. WallIs my right hon. Friend aware that, however much the fishing industry may be worried about the six-mile limit, it is appalled by the suggestion of a twelve-mile limit, without any question of the protection of historic fishing rights, which was discussed in Geneva yesterday? Is he further aware of the catastrophic effect this would have on the distant-water fishing industry, particularly of the Humber ports, and will he get in touch with his right hon. and learned Friend to do everything possible to defeat the proposal?
§ Mr. HareI am aware of the feelings which my hon. Friend has expressed, and I am glad to say that at Geneva the Attorney-General has the presence as adviser of the President of the British Trawlers' Federation, who has also made his feelings quite clear. I should like to express the gratitude of the Government for all the help and advice that the President of the British Trawlers' Federation has given.