HC Deb 25 June 1959 vol 607 cc1385-6
37. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food to what extent catches of the fishing fleet have suffered since the Icelandic Government's attempt to extend their fishing limits.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)

These catches fluctuate considerably owing to such factors as natural changes in fish stocks and variable weather. It is difficult, therefore, to give an accurate assessment of the extent to which catches have suffered as a result of the Icelandic Government's attempt to extend their fishing limits.

Mr. Wall

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that, in spite of the appallingly bad weather last winter, the figures that are available show that British trawlermen are able and willing to carry on fishing up to the four-mile limit, and would he try again to persuade the Icelandic Government to enter into a truce in this matter until it is considered by the Conference on the Law of the Sea next year?

Mr. Hare

Yes, Sir, I think that what my hon. Friend has said is sensible. I am only too willing, and so are Her Majesty's Government, to have talks with the Icelandic Government. We have put forward various proposals to them and we have shown in our recent agreement with the Danes over the Faroese Islands that we are willing to come to some sensible arrangement. Unfortunately, so far there has been no response from Iceland.