HC Deb 03 July 1958 vol 590 cc1576-7
40. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the recent unilateral action by the Icelandic Government in publishing regulations declaring a 12-mile fishing limit round Iceland's coast, if he will now make a further statement on the action which Her Majesty's Government propose to take to protect the legitimate fishing interests of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Godber

The Icelandic Government gave notice that they proposed to publish these regulations, and the attitude of Her Majesty's Government was made clear in the Declaration of 4th June. There is nothing I can add to that statement.

Mr. Osborne

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the fishermen of Hull and Grimsby who work in these waters are likely to lose their work altogether and be completely ruined unless some protection is given to them? Since time runs on so quickly, could he say what the Government are likely to do to help them?

Mr. Godber

The Government have made their position abundantly clear in the statement to which I called attention and which I think has the general approval of the fishing industry. We do keep in the closest touch with the industry.

Mr. Willey

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether we are having discussions with the Icelandic Government about this? It is an urgent matter, and it is important that we should get a reasonable settlement if possible.

Mr. Godber

We have made it clear that we are both willing and anxious to enter into discussions, but it needs two sides to come to any table to discuss the matter.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Can my hon. Friend say whether any further progress has been made towards the idea of regional talks in this matter, because it is vitally urgent not only to the distant-water fleets but to the inshore fishermen in England to know what will happen?

Mr. Godber

Yes. I do not think I can do better than refer my hon. Friend to the supplementary answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs only yesterday in the House, when he said: There are three ways of negotiation, an international conference covering all the countries of the world, a regional conference, or bi-lateral negotiations. I am very anxious to arrive at a solution by any of those three methods."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 2nd July, 1958; Vol. 590, c. 1311.]