§ 88. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, in the 16 months since Iceland imposed the four-mile limit on fishing in Icelandic waters, British trawlers fishing in Icelandic waters have landed 43,883 tons less fish than during the preceding 16 months; and, in view of this fact, if he will now take further steps to resolve the existing dispute about fishing rights 269W and interests between Britain and Iceland, in such a way as to ensure a regular supply of fish for British consumers.
§ Sir T. DugdaleAs between these two periods, total catches by British fishing vessels in the area of Iceland have increased and not diminished, reflecting a rise in the rate of catch interms of effort expended which has been proceeding at least since 1947 and appears to be attributable to natural causes.
As to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds) on 26th October last.