HC Deb 11 July 1962 vol 662 cc1344-5
39. Mr. Wall

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make a statement about the progess of negotiations with the Soviet and the Danish Governments on fisheries limits.

Mr. Godber

Under the Anglo-Soviet Agreement of 1956 which the Soviet Government terminated with effect from 12th March, 1962, British vessels had the right to fish in two areas off the Soviet coast, one to the west and one to the east of Cape Kanin. The main value to us lay in the western area, where there was a small but useful plaice fishery. Discussions have been held in Moscow, but I regret that the Soviet authorities were only willing to consider a concession for a year at a time and only in the eastern area. Since this would not have provided a worthwhile basis for agreement, these discussions have ended and no further talks have been arranged.

As regards Denmark, I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 2nd May.

Mr. Wall

Can my hon. Friend say when he expects to reach a conclusion on negotiations about the Faroes with the Danish Government, or are we to expect that neither Government will enter into an agreement until a decision has been made on entry into the European Economic Community?

Mr. Godber

I do not think that it necessarily hinges on that. The position is that we handed an aide memoireto the Danes on 17th April and their Government have indicated that they are considering our views, and we hope to hear further from them.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Can my hon. Friend say whether this aide memoire asked for a continuation of the six-mile limit?

Mr. Godber

I do not think that I can elaborate on the Answer I have given at the moment. We must await a reply from the Danes before I can give any further information about it.