§ 1. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement regarding negotiations for an agreed off-shore fisheries limit.
§ 2. Mr. Croslandasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the widespread uncertainty in the fishing industry consequent on the failure of the Geneva Conference, he will now make a statement about his recent discussions with other Governments on the question of fishing limits.
§ 3 and 15. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) if he is aware that under conditions in which one country fixes a three-mile zone and another a twelve-mile zone unilaterally for fishing, and pending a satisfactory solution to the problem, the lives of United Kingdom fishermen are in constant danger and the cost of fishing patrols increases; and if he will seek a further meeting of the United Nations Committee on the Law of the Sea to reconsider the matter; and
§ (2) if he is aware that, as a result of the failure of the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, the problem of the area of territorial waters round Iceland is still unsettled, and that the arrest of trawlers consequent on this is worsening the relationship between the two countries; and what recent efforts he has made to secure a conference of both Governments with a view to arriving at a mutual agreement.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Robert Allan)Her Majesty's Government are well aware of the problems resulting from the failure of the recent Conference on the Law of the Sea. There is, unfortunately, no reason to think that if a further conference were convened it would be more successful. We are, however, continuing consultations with other countries through diplomatic channels on the question of stabilising fishery relations generally. We remain anxious to reach a settlement with Iceland and are continuing our efforts to this end. I have nothing to add to replies already given about our discussions with Norway.
§ Mr. WallDoes my right hon. Friend realise that time is getting very short? Does he agree that the trawler owners have done all they can, even by suspending their best skippers, to keep out of the twelve-mile limit? But the truce ends on 12th August. After that date, will they have full naval protection in fishing up to the internationally recognised limits?
§ Mr. AllanThe Government are appreciative of the action taken by the fishing industry in trying to avoid incidents. I am afraid that I am not in a position to say what will happen after 12th August if the restrictions are removed.
§ Mr. CroslandAs this is possibly the last opportunity we shall have to question the Foreign Secretary in the House of Commons, does not the Minister think that he ought to be a little more forthcoming? Does he not realise that, if no further agreement is reached, the situation on 12th August will be extremely serious in the main fishing ports? Will he at least tell us whether he proposes to make another statement to the industry and country before 12th August?
§ Mr. AllanMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is in touch with the industry over all these matters, and will continue to keep in touch with it, and negotiations are proceeding. There is no reason, therefore, to be too despairing about the position after 12th August.
§ Mr. FletcherCan we not have a categorical assurance that, in the absence of an agreement, Her Majesty's Government will protect British trawling fleets exercising their rights within the limits recognised at present by international law?
§ Mr. AllanAt the moment, Her Majesty's ships are patrolling outside the twelve-mile limit in order to avoid incidents, but without prejudice in any way to our legal rights. What happens after 12th August is hypothetical and must depend on the circumstances.