HC Deb 17 July 1991 vol 195 c164W
Mr. Anderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make representations to the European Commission with the aim of ensuring that the Community's policy towards negotiations with Namibia is not affected by national bias arising from the current dispute concerning illegal fishing in Namibian waters by nationals of a Community member.

Mr. Garel-Jones

The United Kingdom has expressed concern over the handling of the suspension of fisheries negotiations between the Community and Namibia. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development raised the issue with Commission officials during the 6 and 7 May Council of Ministers in Brussels. The Commission has now given an assurance of its readiness to resume negotiations, which is shared by the Namibian Government.