HC Deb 30 January 1961 vol 633 c566
5. Mr. Wall

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the negotiations with the Icelandic Government over fishing limits.

13. Mr. Crosland

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make a statement on the progress of the negotiations with Iceland for a fisheries limits agreement.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Edward Heath)

Since my reply to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 19th December, my noble Friend has had discussions with the Icelandic Foreign Minister. We remain in close touch with the Icelandic Government and await their views on the latest position. I regret that I cannot say more at present.

Mr. Wall

Will my right hon. Friend agree that the industry has been very patient during the long period of negotiations? Will he also agree that any agreement, when reached, must show that the Icelandic Government do not propose some years hence to go beyond the 12 mile limit?

Mr. Heath

I willingly pay tribute to the patience of the industry, which has now extended over a long period. The terms of any agreement to be reached are being negotiated at the moment.

Mr. Crossland

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear the time factor in mind? Daring the last two months there has not been much danger of any incidents because there has been no fishing off Iceland, but the spring fishing season is about to begin and, unless skippers have clear instructions about what the position is, we shall once again be back to the old round of incidents.

Mr. Heath

We are acutely aware that the onset of spring may well bring renewed dangers, and we have pointed that out very forcibly to the Icelandic Government.