§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received directly from Iceland, or through the United Kingdom's representative at the United Nations, concerning the Icelandic Government's desire to extend her fishing limits to a 50-mile boundary; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleNo specific representations have been received from the Government of Iceland either direct or through the United Kingdom Permanent Representative at the United Nations. The Icelandic authorities have communicated to us the text of a Resolution of the Icelandic Parliament establishing a Commission to prepare legislation involving an extension of jurisdiction of the order suggested. However, no specific proposal has been put to us, and no reply has been sent. Under the 1961 Exchange of Notes settling the fisheries130W dispute between the two Governments, the Icelandic Government are obliged to give the United Kingdom Government six months' notice of any extension of fisheries jurisdiction and, if we so request, to join with us in referring any dispute to the International Court of Justice. We have already made it plain that we would regard any unilateral extension of fisheries jurisdiction to 50 miles as being contrary to international law.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he will have discussions with vessel owners, trade unions representing fishermen and other interested parties concerning the intention of the Icelandic Government to extend Iceland's fishing limits to the 50-mile boundary.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleNo specific proposals from the Government of Iceland to extend their fisheries jurisdiction have been received by Her Majesty's Government. In the event of such proposals being received, Her Majesty's Government would be willing to enter into consultations with representatives of British fishing interests, as has been their practice in the past.