§ 66. Mr. Croslandasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the difficulties caused to the United Kingdom fishing industry, what protest or representations he has made to the Norwegian Government about their decision to extend Norwegian fishing limits to 12 miles; and what action he now proposes to take.
§ 67. Mr. Croslandasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he proposes to take, in view of the Norwegian Government's decision to extend fishing limits to 12 miles and the danger that other Governments may now take similar unilateral action, to convene a European or North Atlantic Conference with a view to obtaining a regional agreement on fishing limits.
§ Mr. R. AllanI will, with permission, answer this Question and No. 67 together. As regards the Norwegian Government's statement of 13th May, my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Dame Irene Ward) on 19th May that we have been in touch with the Norwegian Government and, as was announced on 24th May, exploratory talks between United Kingdom and Norwegian officials are to be held this week in Oslo to discuss the problem of stabilising fishery relations.
With regard to the question of a possible regional agreement, we are continuing the consultations referred to by my right hon. Friend on 16th May in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Goole (Mr. Jeger).