HC Deb 09 March 1976 vol 907 cc234-7
9. Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the strategic value of Iceland to NATO.

Mr. William Rodgers

Ireland occupies an important strategic position in the—[HON. MEMBERS: "Iceland!"] Whatever Ireland may do—[HON. MEMBERS: "Iceland."] It is very nice to have a chorus, but I was getting it right that time. Whatever Ireland may do, Iceland occupies and important strategic position in the North Atlantic—

Mr. Biggs-Davison

So does Northern Ireland—

Mr. Rodgers

—and NATO attaches considerable importance to the facilities there.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

And in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Lawrence

When the Minister has finished sorting out the difference between Ireland and Iceland, will he say whether he realises that the Law of the Sea Conference is almost certain to sanction 200-mile fishing zones? If that is so, is it not the height of absurdity for the Government to continue with the charade which places at risk an important element in Western defence—to say nothing of the possible loss of life from gunboat incidents—for a mere few weeks' better fishing?

Mr. Rodgers

With respect, I think that the hon. Gentleman has taken an extremly narrow view of the problem. It is fully appreciated on both sides of the House that we have rights and entitlements in the waters off Iceland and it is right for the Government to seek to support the fishing industry when, amongst other things, the needs of the housewife and the needs of employment are involved. However, of course we still look for a peaceful solution. We could have one tomorrow if the Icelandic Government were again prepared to sit round a table and find a compromise solution.

Mr. James Johnston

Bearing in mind the magnificent job that our Navy is doing in warding off attacks by Icelandic gunboats, does my right hon. Friend not think it a little sad that the Icelandic Government should welcome on board their vessels British correspondents who then attack us with their articles in the Press, but will not allow on board their vessels NATO observers who, in my view, would give an objective and neutral assessment of their actions?

Mr. Rodgers

As always, my hon. Friend has put the matter in a very moderate and reasonable way. I am glad that he has paid tribute to the remarkable defensive operation conducted by the Royal Navy in hazardous circumstances. Like my hon. Friend, I am sorry that our suggestion that the presence of NATO observers might have helped to avoid any escalation was turned down by the Icelandic Government.

Mr. Brotherton

Will the Minister assure the House that as long as Briitsh fishermen go about their lawful occasions in international waters, the Royal Navy will continue to protect them?

Mr. Rodgers

I have made it clear that it was with great reluctance and regret that we sent the Royal Navy to Iceland to defend our trawlers. We sent them back there for the same reason. We would like to be able to withdraw them, but we can do so only when there is a peaceful settlement of this dispute.

Mr. Onslow

The House is grateful to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. Johnson) for raising this matter. His question has done something to redress the unfortunate balance created by his hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, East (Mr. Prescott). It is important that British people should be able to see for themselves exactly what the Navy has to contend with and where the responsibility for the danger really lies. Will the Minister make arrangements for Opposition Members who would like to see the situation for themselves and to report on it, and for Labour Members, to spend a short time aboard one of Her Majesty's ships in the area, so that they can correct the misbalance which the media have unfortunately created?

Mr. Rodgers

If the Whips were prepared to see an absence for a considerable time, balanced by Members on both sides of the House, certainly that suggestion would be worth considering, provided, of course, that it did not interfere with the very difficult operations that make heavy demands upon all the crews of our ships at present off Iceland. I shall certainly discuss this matter with my right hon. Friend.