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Norway (British Fishing Vessels)

Volume 472: debated on Friday 10 March 1950

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65.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British fishing vessels have been arrested by the Norwegian authorities during the past 12 months how much has been paid in fines; and what steps is he taking to bring about a clear definition of territorial waters off the Norwegian coast.

Six. Fines amounting to 185,000 krone, (i.e., approximately £9,000) have been paid. Appeals have been lodged in all these cases. As regards the last part of the Question, His Majesty's Government decided last summer to refer the dispute for decision to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, since all attempts to negotiate a direct settlement with Norway had failed. The Court has been asked to define the limits within which Norway is entitled to reserve fishing exclusively to her own nationals.