§ 11. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement regarding the latest situation in naval support of the deep-sea trawling fleet off Iceland, and in par- 10 ticular regarding arrangements made with the British Trawler Federation and the Hull Skippers Guild at the meeting in Hull on 23rd August regarding closer liaison between the trawler skippers and the Royal Navy frigates.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. Antony Buck)Her Majesty's ships have not operated within the disputed area off Iceland since 3rd October.
The meeting with the industry on 23rd August reviewed the general conduct of the support operation and agreed some detailed measures to improve the practical arrangements on the fishing grounds.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the meeting in Hull was a huge success and led to an excellent understanding between the fishing skippers and their opposite numbers, the naval commanders, but that since then events have overtaken us? I imagine that, like myself, all my colleagues on both sides of the House and people in Iceland will be glad that it now looks as if there will be an end to this unhappy affair. We wish all success to the coming talks in the Icelandic Cabinet between Mr. Johannesson and his own people.
I know that these are not matters for the hon. Gentleman, but will he convey two things to the Leader of the House or to the Prime Minister? First, I regret that no statement is to be made in the House today on this very important matter, although we have seen references to it on the tape. Secondly, I imagine that, like myself, most Members representing fishing ports are deeply disappointed that no statement has been made by the Prime Minister today about his talks with Mr. Johannesson, the leader of the Iceland Government.
§ Mr. BuckI thank the hon. Gentleman for what he has said about the meeting on 23rd August. It corresponds with the information in my possession, namely, that it was very successful. As to the other matters, the hon. Gentleman is right in saying that they are not for me. He will have seen the statement which has been issued. It is known that the Prime Minister of Iceland is consulting his Government and no doubt in due course the result will be put before the House.