§ 21. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on future trading relations between the EEC and Norway.
§ Sir G. HoweFuture trading relations between Norway and the EEC will depend on the terms of the free trade agreement which is at present the subject of negotiations in Brussels.
§ Mr. MartenAs Norway is an old ally and partner of this country from EFTA, will my right hon. and learned Friend see to it that we press for fair treatment for Norway over its exports of fish? Will he particularly stress that we go for free trade not only in fish fillets, which is what the EEC wants, but with all fish, because that would greatly help the Norwegian coastal towns and also help to keep down the cost of living in this country?
§ Sir C. HoweI appreciate the extent of Norway's friendship with this country. It is worth remembering that the negotiations on this matter are about the rate and system of transition of trade between Norway and the Community. We expect the duty concessions on fish to be made on what is far and away the most important Norwegian fish export to us, namely frozen fish fillets.
§ Mr. DouglasIs the Minister willing to make a comment on the Norwegian attitude towards North Sea oil finds, particularly the assertion by the Norwegian Government that on the median line there is a 100 million-ton field?
§ Sir G. HoweEven if I were disposed to comment on that, it would not be a comment that could arise on this Question.