HC Deb 22 March 1922 vol 152 cc432-4
4. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many gunboats or other war vessels are employed in fishery protection duties; where they are employed; whether the waters of Iceland and the North Coast of Russia are ever visited by these vessels; and, if so, what was the date of the last of these visits, respectively?

Mr. AMERY

Eleven sloops and trawlers are employed on fishery protection duties, the details of which I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT. H.M.S. "Harebell" visited Icelandic waters from the 4th to the 12th August, 1921. No fishery protection vessel has visited Russian waters since the War. A vessel is in readiness to proceed to these waters, but orders have not yet been issued for her sailing.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that recently the fishermen have been treated with much harshness, and does this not show the advisability of sending these vessels much more frequently?

Mr. AMERY

I will take that into consideration.

Viscount CURZON

Do these vessels possess the extreme speed necessary to enable them to catch the craft with which they have to deal?

Mr. AMERY

I must ask for notice of that question.

The details referred to are as follow:

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