HC Deb 18 October 1971 vol 823 c50W
48 and 49. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the West German Government regarding the proposals of the Icelandic Government to cancel the 12-mile limit agreement of 1961; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what action he has taken to safeguard the interests of the British fishing industry during his negotiations with the Icelandic Government regarding their proposals to extend their fishing limits to 50 nautical miles from the baseline: whether Iceland has given formal notification that she is cancelling the 12-mile limit agreement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Royle

We have not held formal negotiations with the Icelandic Government, nor has Iceland formally denounced the 1961 Agreement. There have, however, been preliminary exchanges between the two Governments, in which we have made clear our view that such an extension of Iceland's fishing limits would have no basis in international law. We have also been in close touch with the Federal German Government.