§ 84. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the arrest by Icelandic gunboats of the trawlers "Mikado" and "Sethon" on 24th April in Icelandic waters; if he is aware that the "Mikado" was fined 2,000 kroner and the "Sethon" 2,600 kroner for the alleged offence of having their gear in disorder while at anchor whereas in reality their nets were properly secured and lashed; that the British Consul advised the skippers to plead guilty, though, in the case of the "Sethon," the skipper objected strongly and refused to do so; whether there is any British Consul-General or Consul in Iceland of British nationality; what are his instructions with regard to the protection of British fishermen brought before Icelandic courts; whether the Government will ask for a report in these two cases and have the matter investigated; and whether any representations have been made to the Icelandic Government in reference to the harsh treatment of our fishermen in several recent cases?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYBefore this question is answered, may I ask, on a point of Order, whether the question is in order in view of the fact that this is a foreign Government and our Government have no right to interfere with their treatment of British subjects?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThese are British trawlers and have we not the right to interfere and protect them wherever they are?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYOn that point of Order. We have British subjects in Ireland. Have we not the right to interfere in regard to them? Why do we not protect them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid I have not read in detail this long question, but the real point of it seems to me to be the sending by the British Admiralty of protection sufficient for British trawlers in the North Sea.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYOn that point of Order, Sir, may I respectfully inquire 2008 if you will allow us to raise the question of sending British troops to protect British subjects in Ireland?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is not a parallel question.
§ Earl WINTERTONI have no information relative to these two incidents. Detailed reports have been called for. All recent complaints of a similar nature, which have been brought to the notice of the Foreign Office, have been carefully investigated. In no case was it found that there was sufficient justification for making formal representations to the Icelandic Government. The penalties imposed for infringement of the Icelandic fisheries laws are undoubtedly severe. It is all the more incumbent on British trawlers intending to fish in the neighbourhood of Iceland to make themselves, beforehand, thoroughly acquainted with the existing regulations. No suitable British subject is available to fill the unsalaried post of British Consul at Reykjavik, which is at present held by Mr. Sigurdsen, an Icelandic subject. Mr. Sigurdsen has general instructions to give his best advice and assistance to all such British subjects as may require his aid, and has carried out these instructions to the best of his ability in his endeavours to protect the legitimate interests of British fishermen.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the Noble Lord aware that the complaint is not only against the harshness of the Icelandic treatment, but also against the lack of support given by this Icelander who acts as British Consul? Why cannot some suitable ex-officer of British nationality be employed? There are hundreds available. Is the Noble Lord aware that this is one of many cases of complaint by British trawlers in regard to Iceland?
§ Earl WINTERTONSo far as I am aware, the contention made by the hon. and gallant Gentleman that this gentleman has not given satisfaction is not borne out by the facts. As to the appointment of another person, the post is not a paid post and it is not desirable to make it so; but if my hon. and gallant Friend has any names to bring forward for the post of unpaid Consul, I shall be 2009 very glad to have them considered—his own name or that of any other suitable person.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask if the Noble Lord is aware that the complaint is this: that the British Consul, so-called, advises our sailors to plead guilty; if they do not plead guilty they are fined; but also if they do plead guilty they are fined. In any case, they get no sort of legal assistance from the Consul. They are simple fishermen at a foreign police court, and are placed in this awkward position.
§ Earl WINTERTONThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is not quite correct. This gentleman has carried out his duties quite satisfactorily, and for a long time.