§ MR. MORTONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the so-called Foreign trawlers that frequent the Moray Firth are really owned by British companies or firms; is he also aware that they are making use of the Norwegian nationality to break the laws of this country; and will he state what action he proposes to take.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. RUNCIMAN,for Sir EDWARD GREY) Dewsbury,My right hon. friend believes that, speaking generally, there is some truth in the statements made in the Question. But he is not aware that there is anything illegal in the fact of British-owned vessels being registered under a foreign flag. And he cannot take any action which is inconsistent with principles of international law, which have been recognised by this country as well as by others.