§ Mr. J. PARKERasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he can state the present position of the case for compensation to the master and crew of the Hull trawler "Onward Ho," who were illegally arrested on the 7th of July, 1910, by a Russian gunboat whilst fishing in northern waters, the claim for which compensation was made over ten months ago?
§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he will inform the House how the matter of compensation with respect to twelve British fishermen, being the master and crew of the Hull trawler "Onward Ho," who were illegally arrested on the 7th July, 1910, by a Russian gunboat whilst fishing in northern waters, is progressing, claim for which was put forward over ten months ago?
§ Sir E. GREYThe Russian Government have informed us that the claim for compensation is receiving their careful consideration.
§ Mr. J. PARKERasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he was aware that in March last the crew of the trawler "Lord Roberts" were arrested, fined, and the catch confiscated by the Norwegian Government, although it was admitted that the vessel was not within the three-mile limit; and whether the Government were taking any, and, if so, what steps to secure compensation for the men concerned?
§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that in March, 1911, the trawler "Lord Roberts" was arrested, fined, and the catch confiscated by the Norwegian Government, although it was admitted by them that the vessel was not fishing within the three-mile limit; and will he state what steps the Government are taking to obtain recompense for the crew of twelve men who lost their share of the catch and were detained six days?
§ Sir E. GREYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The owners of the "Lord Roberts" have, however, appealed to the Supreme Court at Christiania against the decision of the Court at Vardo, and this appeal is still pending. In the meanwhile the questions of international law raised in this case are being discussed by His Majesty's Government and the Norwegian Government.