§ 45. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the progress of talks before the International Court at The Hague upon the Iceland 50-mile limit fishing dispute.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleThe recent proceedings at The Hague were concerned with the question whether or not the Court has jurisdiction in this dispute. My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General presented the British case on that question on 5th January. Iceland did not appear. We await the Court's decision.
§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to prevent the harassment of British trawlers fishing on the high seas by Icelandic gunboats.
§ Mr. AmeryWe have expressed Her Majesty's Government's concern to the Icelandic authorities about the apparent escalation of harassment by the Icelandic coastguard of British trawlers which are fishing on the high seas off Iceland in a manner consistent with the Interim Order of the International Court of Justice. In all cases where damage has been caused an immediate protest has been made and the right to claim compensation reserved. Naval forces are available if their assistance should be required.