§ 7. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the general feeling of indignation among British fishermen frequenting Icelandic waters at the harsh treatment recently meted out to certain of their comrades by the Icelandic authorities and the officers of the Icelandic gunboats, and that there is a general desire among these fishermen that the White Ensign should he shown more frequently in Icelandic waters; and whether a gunboat or destroyer can be sent for this purpose?
§ Mr. AMERYNo reports have been received at the Admiralty of harsh treatment of British fishermen in Icelandic waters or that there is a general desire for the White Ensign to be shown more frequently in this locality. On the general question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the very full answers given by my Noble Friend the Member for Horsham and Worthing on the 9th May.
§ Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYHave the Admiralty inquired at the Foreign Office as to the complaints of overbearing conduct towards these officers and fishermen?
§ Mr. AMERYAs far as the Foreign Office aspect of the question is concerned, it was fully dealt with in an answer given by my Noble Friend only a week ago.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf the hon. Gentleman is assured that there is a great deal of indignation among the fishermen in relation to this matter cannot he send one of the ships of our immense Navy up there occasionally?