§ 4. Sir C. Osborneasked the Lord Privy Seal if he has any further statement to make on the recent talks between the British and Danish Governments on the question of fishery limits off the Faroe Islands, and on the result of the consideration by the Governments concerned of the outcome of those talks.
§ Sir C. OsborneIs my right hon. Friend aware that the smaller trawler owners in the Grimsby area are vitally affected by the question of the Faroe fishing limits and that they are facing great difficulties? Could he do something to help them?
§ Mr. HeathI fully appreciate the situation regarding our fishing industry. I have had the opportunity to talk to many hon. Members about it. The situation is that at the first meeting the British and Danish Governments had about this matter, they agreed to give consideration to the points of view put before them by both sides, and we are awaiting a further meeting.
§ Mr. HoyWithout belittling in any way any bilateral agreement which may be reached, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman thinks that the time has come for him to invite all Scandinavian countries to get an overall settlement of this problem rather than trying to solve it in this way?
§ Mr. HeathThis is a particular problem which must, of course, be solved. I shall certainly bear in mind what the hon. Member has said about the wider objective of a common fisheries policy.