§ 29. Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in renegotiating the EEC common fisheries policy.
§ Mr. CroslandI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave earlier to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten).
§ Mr. HendersonIs the Foreign Secretary aware that there is concern in the inshore fishing industry because too much attention is being paid to the Icelandic situation and the position of third countries? We are equally concerned with the piratical practices of some EEC countries in fishing, and this 1333 emphasises the need for exclusive limits for our own fishermen. Is the EEC taking a more sympathetic view in terms of the negotiations for an exclusive limit of at least 50 miles for our fishermen?
§ Mr. CroslandI am aware of the anxiety felt among coastal fishermen. The reason why more attention has been paid to Iceland and third countries is that these agreements had to be negotiated by 1st December and the end of the year, respectively. There is no doubt about the critical importance to our country of coastal fishing belts. On the question whether an agreement is likely, some work has been done in the Commission. It has not proceeded very far, because of acute differences of opinion among Community nations about the size of coastal belts. However, we have not changed our negotiating position in the slightest degree since my statement of our definitive position on 4th May.
§ Mr. GrimondThe fishing community will be grateful for those assurances that safeguarding the position of our inshore fishermen is "critically important". Is the Foreign Secretary aware that there is mounting anxiety about both timing and enforcement? Can he give any date for the end of the negotiations for 50-mile limits, and can he say what preparations have been made to police these limits'?
§ Mr. CroslandI cannot give a definite date. On the question of enforcement, I can confirm that an enormous amount of work has been done on the question how to police and enforce whatever quota arrangements exist in coastal belts. No set of arrangements that exist on paper are worth the paper they are written on unless there is some policing.
§ Mr. James JohnsonI accept that the issue of limits—whether they be 12, 50 or 200 miles—is a most complex matter, but does the Foreign Secretary agree about the despondency felt in the fishing industry, particularly on Humberside') If the EEC negotiations with Iceland break down will we, as a nation, be able to conduct bilateral talks with Iceland?
§ Mr. CroslandEvery time we have a question on fisheries we go through this farcical process, in which I am asked whether I am aware of the feelings on 1334 Humberside. I am as familiar as anyone else with those feelings. As for what will happen if the negotiations with Iceland fall down, I shall not answer hypothetical questions. I have good hopes that an agreement will be reached, although I have no intention of speculating about its content.
§ Mr. HicksWhat assurances has the Secretary of State received to ensure the continued economic livelihood of the inshore fishermen of Devon and Cornwall, in particular, in terms of the conservation of mackerel stocks?
§ Mr. CroslandThe immediate problem facing the Devon and Cornwall fishermen over mackerel concerns the Soviet trawlers. That is why we have pressed very hard the urgency of an agreement between the EEC and the Soviet Union that will have the effect of drastically reducing Soviet and other third country catches in the waters off Devon and Cornwall.
§ Mr. Robert HughesIs it not a mistake to suggest that there is a conflict of interest between deep-sea fishermen and inshore fishermen? Are they not all facing the same problems, which revolve around ensuring that the fishing industry is sustained in as healthy and viable a state as possible'? Are the Government working towards that end?
§ Mr. CroslandI hope that I did not give the impression—I had no intention of giving it—that there is a conflict of interest between the two sections of the industry. They are two separate interests, but they are not in conflict. I endorse my hon. Friend's final statement that we need an arrangement that will bring prosperity to the entire British fishing industry, whether inshore or distant water.
§ Mr. BrothertonWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the position of the middle-water and seine vessels, and agree that the threat comes from the Russian and Bulgarian fishermen, who pose a great threat not only to us but to the other members of the EEC? Will he bring this matter to the attention of our EEC partners, so that when we have our own 200-mile limit within the Community it is reserved for Community fishermen and is not available to those behind the Iron Curtain?
§ Mr. CroslandI am relieved that the hon. Member did not ask me whether I was aware of the strong feelings held in Grimsby and Cleethorpes. In so far as I could hear the later part of his question, I think that I agree with it.