asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to take any steps to promote the regulation of fishing in the North Sea, so as to obviate a recurrence of the over fishing that occurred after the 1914–18 war with such disastrous results.

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have decided to convene as soon as possible an international conference of the countries concerned for the purpose of drawing up an agreement on the subject. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise, of course, that to be effective any agreement of this kind must be international in character.