§ 11. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has now had from fishing interests and from other sources advocating the extension of the existing three-mile limit off the British coast.
§ Mr. SoamesIn addition to those referred to in my reply of 2nd April, I have received representations from the National Federation of Inland Wholesale Fish Merchants.
§ Mr. WallIs my right hon. Friend aware that inshore fishermen are very concerned about damage to their nets caused by foreign vessels operating just inside or just outside territorial waiters —[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I should be obliged if the House would leave to me 1461 the duty of maintaining order, bearing in mind that a running commentary during Questions creates awkwardnesses for other people in hearing.
§ Mr. WallIs my right hon. Friend aware also that off the Scottish coast there are anomalies which allow foreign vessels to fish where Scottish vessels are not allowed to fish? Could not all these matters be overcome by an extension of the existing three-mile limit?
§ Mr. SoamesI am aware of the problems which my horn. Friend raises. As he knows, this is a question of what is in the best interests of this country as regards our fishing limit and also of our international obligations in this respect. I am well aware of the case and of the strong feelings of inshore fishermen in this matter. It is something which we have to watch continuously, but, in my view, this would not be an opportune moment to move to extend our fishing limit.
§ Mr. HoyWill the right horn. Gentle-man remember when he is considering this matter that his hon. Friends behind him supported the ban on British fishermen though it was opposed from this side of the House?
§ Mr. SoamesMy hon. Friends are very well aware of the nice balance in this and that there are interests which are in flavour of extending the limit and also that the British Trawlers Federation is anxious that it should not at this time be extended.