HC Deb 16 June 1958 vol 589 cc652-3
6. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the effect on the British fishing industry if the Icelandic fishing limits are increased to 12 miles; and what steps he is taking to protect the industry against the effects of any such unilateral action.

Mr. John Hare

The effects would be very serious: a heavy loss of catch and economic dislocation of the distant-water fleet. As to the second part of the Question, I cannot add to the Declaration made by Her Majesty's Government on 4th June.

Mr. Wall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the industry is grateful to Her Majesty's Government for the firm action they have taken? Is he also aware that, however much our trawlers can be protected when fishing on their lawful occasions, the dispute must eventually come to the conference table? What progress is being made in the discussions with the allied Governments of N.A.T.O. in an effort to persuade the Icelandic Government to come to a more reasonable decision and to discuss the matter round the conference table?

Mr. Hare

As Her Majesty's Government indicated in the statement made on 4th June, I entirely agree that this should be a matter of negotiation. I assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I and the other members of Her Majesty's Government are doing all we can to see that negotiations are brought into effect.

19. Mr. Doughty

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of fish landed in Great Britain is caught in that part of the ocean which Iceland and the Faroes have given notice that they intend to include in their territorial waters, and which is not now included.

Mr. John Hare

The fish taken from the waters around Iceland and the Faroes accounted last year for over 30 per cent. of the total British catch of white fish from all waters. The best estimates available suggest that something like 40 to 50 per cent. of the British catch around Iceland and the Faroes, or about 13 per cent. of the total British catch from all waters, is taken within the proposed 12-mile limit in these two areas.

Mr. Doughty

Will my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that we in this country have no intention of giving up that proportion of our catch unless there is some agreement with the countries concerned, and certainly not by unilateral action on their part?

Mr. Hare

I think my hon. and learned Friend will agree that we made our position very clear on 4th June.