§ 29. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made towards a solution of the dispute now pending with Iceland about territorial limits of fishing waters.
§ 35. Mr. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the British Trawler Owners Federation's recent statement that their trawlers will continue to fish within the 12-mile limit around Iceland, despite the Icelandic Government's unilateral declaration of a 12-mile limit, what fresh negotiations are taking place to prevent incidents.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyAs my right hon. and learned Friend said on 2nd July, we are anxious to arrive at a solution by negotiation. A number of other friendly Governments have since been urging the Icelandic Government to agree to this. I regret, however, that so far there is no further progress to report.
§ Mr. HughesWill not the Minister specify precisely what approaches he has made to Iceland with a view to settling this unfortunate dispute? Has he made any approaches at ministerial level or even at ambassadorial level?
§ Mr. HarveyI think the House has been fully informed of the approaches made, which have been at both levels, and also through N.A.T.O.
§ Mr. YoungerWith reference to the point in Question No. 35, and in view of the statement of the Trawler Owners Federation that the industries propose to 21 go on fishing under the protection of their Governments, can we take it that Her Majesty's Government are in discussion with the trawler owners about possible measures, and that they are taking the most sympathetic view of this matter?
§ Mr. HarveyYes, Sir, there have been very full discussions between the trawler owners and the Ministers concerned.