HL Deb 05 February 1974 vol 349 cc708-9
LORD KENNET

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what conclusions were reached at the Sunningdale Fisheries Conference, and whether they will make a Statement on their policy towards limits of national jurisdiction at the forthcoming United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, no conclusions were reached. It was an opportunity for an informal exchange of views on the opportunities and problems of exploiting new stocks of fish now that our traditional grounds are threatened by the extensisons of fishery limits. It is our intention, at the Law of the Sea Conference, to work constructively for an outcome which will be widely acceptable to participating countries, as well as protecting our own interests.

LORD KENNET

My Lords, would the House be correct in taking it from that Answer that the question of a possible extension of the British fisheries protection zone from 12 miles to 200 miles was not discussed at the Conference?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, we are aware that the British Trawler Federation has pressed for an extension of fishery limits, and this is a point which has been considered; but that does not mean to say that Her Majesty's Government are accepting it.

LORD KENNET

My Lords, may both Houses of Parliament expect any further statement of Government policy on this and related matters before the opening of the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea in Caracas in June?

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I think it would be unwise, when entering upon a Conference such as this, to state exactly what all our positions are in advance. We are anxious to see that as suitable an agreement as possible is arrived at, bearing in mind that our own interests should be protected.