HC Deb 15 October 1975 vol 897 cc738-9W
Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the progress of his talks in Reykjavik with the Government of Iceland upon fisheries limits; and when the return talks will be held in London.

Mr. Hattersley

My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fsheries and Food and I, had talks with Icelandic Ministers in Reykjavik on 11th September. The talks were frank and the atmosphere was friendly, but it was not possible to make much progress towards a new fisheries agreement to replace the interim agreement which expires on 13th November next. It was agreed that the talks would be resumed in London in October. We have been seeking an early mutually convenient date. The Icelanders have now indicated that they will come next week, but the exact day has not yet been fixed.