HC Deb 19 November 1958 vol 595 cc1143-4
29. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress is being made towards settling the fisheries dispute with the Icelandic Government.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I regret to say that I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Grimsby (Mr. Younger) on 12th November.

Mr. Wall

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say whether the Icelandic Government have refused to submit this dispute to the International Court, and, if so, for what reason? Can he say what action is to take place next, and is he aware that this dispute is causing increased anxiety, particularly in view of the reported statement of the Icelandic Prime Minister that twelve miles would be enough for the time being?

Mr. Lloyd

I think I would be wise to say that the Icelandic Government have not yet agreed to go to the International Court and leave it at that. What is to happen next is that there will be a debate in the United Nations at which consideration will be given to whether we should have another conference regarding the law of the sea. Our own view is that it would be right to have such a conference and that the sooner it meets the better.

Mr. Younger

I saw in the paper today that our representative at the United Nations debate—which seems to have started—suggests a conference to be held in July or August. Is not that a very long time ahead in view of the extremely difficult circumstances under which the fleet is fishing around Iceland? Since, in his reply last week, the right hon. and learned Gentleman said he was trying to get an interim arrangement made, has he in mind any form of mediation, through N.A.T.O. or some other agency, to get something done for the fishing fleet during the long period which will elapse before the conference?

Mr. Lloyd

I should like to look into what the right hon. Gentleman says about the attitude adopted by our delegate. I think we should have a conference, and I hope that it will meet as soon as possible. Regarding interim arrangements, we are seeking to bring the Icelandic Government in some way to discuss some reasonable arrangement, but I do not think I ought to be more specific than that.

Mr. Woodburn

May I ask whether our trawlers are still being guarded by gunboats and whether there is a working arrangement regarding the present situation, or whether there is any danger of conflict between ourselves and the Icelandic fisheries peoplė?

Mr. Lloyd

Unfortunately, there is a danger of conflict, but protection is being given to the trawlers by the fleet.