HC Deb 21 October 1975 vol 898 cc234-5
Q1. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to South Humberside.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

I have at present no plans to do so, Sir.

Mr. Brotherton

May I wish the Prime Minister many happy returns of Trafalgar Day—in opposition—and ask him to reconsider his answer? Is he not aware that on South Humberside, particularly in the ports of Immingham in my constituency and Grimsby next door, there is ever-increasing concern at the increase in port and dock charges? Will he consult the British Transport Docks Board and explain to it that to increase charges at a port like Immingham, which is profitable, so that the port is put out of business and competition with other ports is foolish? Will he explain to the board that its intention to take over the port of Felixstowe is equally foolish?

The Prime Minister

As far as I am aware Felixstowe is not on Humberside. I am aware of the concern felt in the hon. Member's area about the other matter he raised, but he will recognise that this is entirely a commercial matter for the board, which was reluctant to make the increases but was forced to do so by rising costs.

If the hon. Member wishes to pursue this matter further, even though there is no direct ministerial responsibility, I am sure that he will do so with my right hon. Friend who is concerned with these matters.

Mr. McNamara

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, no matter what happens on the south bank, he will always be welcome and get the warmth and affection from the people on North Humberside in the future that he has had in the past? There is, however, a matter of concern to both banks, and that is the dispute with Iceland, which is under negotiation. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that if negotiations are protracted beyond the date when the present agreement ends, British trawlers will not go into Icelandic waters unprotected?

The Prime Minister

The second part of my hon. Friend's question raises hypothetical issues because we are determined, in so far as it lies within our power, to secure reasonable agreement on this matter, but no British fishing vessel will go unprotected where protection is necessary.

My hon. Friend will be aware that last month my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs had a first round of talks with the Icelandic Government on the continuation of arrangements covering fishing by British vessels off Iceland, and this establishes at any rate the main areas of negotiation. Further talks are starting this Thursday. We know how urgent it is to reach agreement because of the time factor here, and it will be essential that any new agreement should permit access by United Kingdom vessels to the area within 50 miles of the Icelandic coast, which is vital for our industry.