§ 2. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that when our fishermen are arrested for alleged offences in Icelandic waters by Danish gunboats they are, in some cases, tried on board one of the gunboats and by the very officers who arrest them, and sentenced to heavy fines by these same officers; that the British Consul apparently acquiesces in this irregularity; and why no representations have been made by His Majesty's Government to the Icelandic Government?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI am aware that in some of these cases the police courts, which are empowered by Article 7 of the Icelandic fishery laws to try them, have been held on board the Danish fishery cutters which arrested the trawlers. No case has been brought to my notice in which the officers of the cutters have themselves tried or sentenced the skippers of the trawlers. If particulars of any such case can be furnished, inquiries will be made.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that some friendly representation should be made to the Icelandic authorities in view of the many complaints of these fishermen?
Mr. HARMSWORTHIf my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars I will have inquiries made. This matter is engaging my serious attention.