§ 15. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effects of the 12 recent series of negotiations with the Icelandic Government on the British fishing industry.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Christopher Soames)The effects on the distant-water fleet of any settlement with Iceland are very much in my mind, but I cannot add anything to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal gave my hon. Friend last Monday.
§ Mr. WallIs my right hon. Friend aware that the start of the spring fishing season will be on us very soon? As soon as that starts, trawlers will undoubtedly go inside 12-mile limit. Will he do his best to secure a settlement by next month, or see that trawlers are escorted by naval vessels when fishing on the high seas?
§ Mr. SoamesI am well aware that the spring fishing season will soon be with us, at the end of this month or at the beginning of March, and it is my earnest hope that agreement will be reached before then.