asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present state of negotiations between the EEC and the Icelandic Government concerning reciprocal fishing rights.

A joint Presidency Commission delegation will visit Reykjavik early in June, when the Community representatives will impress upon the Icelandic Government the importance they attach to a satisfactory fisheries agreement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to press for a time limit to negotiations for an equitable internal fisheries regime within the exclusive economic zone.

As I have made clear to the House in the past, the Government regard a satisfactory solution of the fisheries problems as very urgent, and Community Ministers have already agreed to try and reach agreement on the main points by 30th June. This will not be easy, but, as I told the House yesterday, Agriculture Ministers have decided to hold a special Fisheries Council on 27th June.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next hopes to make a statement on the negotiations covering a common EEC fisheries policy.

I shall continue to keep the House informed on developments in fisheries negotiations. I hope that from now on progress will be quicker.