§ 20. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware of the talks now taking place in Oslo between the Russian and Norwegian Governments and the further talks between the same two Governments and the Government of Finland arranged to take place in Russia later this year, all of which talks are about territorial fishing limits in which the British fishing industry is vitally interested; and if he will seek to arrange for the British Government to be represented at those talks.
§ Mr. P. ThomasI understand that the Soviet and Norwegian Governments have been discussing a request by the former for fishing rights within Norway's exclusive fishing zone. United Kingdom fishing interests off Norway are protected by Article VI of the Anglo-Norwegian Agreement of 1960.
430 I am not aware that any talks are to be held on fishery matters between the Soviet and Finnish Governments either bilaterally or with Norwegian participation.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister realise that these talks are of very special importance to the British fishing industry and to British consumers in view of the failure of Her Majesty's Government to protect territorial fishing grounds, and does he realise that he has not answered that part of my Question asking whether Britain will be represented at these talks? Will he take steps to see that Her Majesty's Government are represented at these talks and that reports are made to this House of any progress and the results of that progress?
§ Mr. ThomasAs I have already stated we consider that the United Kingdom fishery interests off Norway are adequately protected by Article VI of the Anglo-Norwegian Agreement of 1960, and we do not think it necessary or appropriate to seek participation in these talks, but I assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that we are following the matter closely.