HC Deb 23 June 1955 vol 542 cc87-8W
60. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the International Law Commission, held at Geneva in May, 1955, at which Britain is represented, has made recommendations relating to the regulation of fisheries on the high seas which affect British fishing rights; and if he will make a statement on the subject.

Lord John Hope

The International Law Commission has as yet made no recommendations; it is still in session and its draft Articles are open to amendment till it concludes its work. When the Articles are passed to Governments for their comments, Her Majesty's Government will give them careful consideration in the light of United Kingdom and colonial fishery interests.

It is not strictly correct to say that Britain is represented at the International Law Commission. The Commission consist of persons sitting in their individual capacity as experts on international law, and not as representatives of Governments.