HC Deb 05 November 1958 vol 594 cc73-4W
Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present position of the international dispute about territorial fishing limits in north European waters, indicating in particular how many and which nations are now involved in it, and the nature of their respective claims; and what particular steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to resolve the dispute by submission of it to the Court of International Justice or to a conference of the European Maritime Nations concerned or by other means.

Mr. Ian Harvey

The only dispute about fishing limits in North European waters of which Her Majesty's Government are aware is the current dispute with Iceland. Seven Governments, including that of the United Kingdom, are known to have protested against the unilateral action of the Icelandic Government in seeking to establish exclusive fishery limits beyond the extent permitted by international law.

My right hon. and learned Friend recently suggested in the General Assembly of the United Nations that the issue should be submitted to the International Court, but there has not yet been any response from Iceland.

Forward to