HC Deb 15 June 1977 vol 933 cc366-7
6. Mr. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to meet the Irish Foreign Minister.

Mr. Judd

My right hon. Friend hopes to do so at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 21st June.

Mr. Henderson

When the Foreign Secretary meets the Irish Foreign Minister, will he assure him of his full support for the Irish Government's stand on a 50-mile conservation limit round the Irish coast? Will he take a leaf out of Ireland's very courageous stand on the matter and do the same himself?

Mr. Judd

The Irish Government have not declared a 50-mile limit. What they have done is to ban certain large vessels, including their own, for conservation reasons. But I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are determined to fight vigorously for the interests of the British fishing industry in all negotiations with the Community.

Mr. Marten

On behalf of some of the members of my party, may I support the hon. Gentleman in what he said about a 50-mile limit?

Mr. Judd

I repeat that we shall fight with all the vigour necessary to protect the interests of the British fishing industry.

Forward to