§ 103. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture how many countries have now ratified the international convention on overfishing in the North Sea; which countries have not yet done so; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in this matter of overfishing in the future.
§ Sir T. DugdaleEleven of the 12 signatory Governments of the Overfishing Convention of 1946 have now ratified, and it is hoped that the remaining country. Spain, will ratify shortly. The Convention comes into force two months190W thereafter. It provides for the establishment of a permanent Commission to keep the situation under review and to consider whether extensions or alterations of its provisions are needed. Her Majesty's Government are anxious to see the Convention brought into force and the permanent Commission set up as soon as possible.