HC Deb 01 August 1923 vol 167 cc1445-6
16. Mr. ENTWISTLE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether steps are being taken to provide a suitable and permanent vessel for fishery protection purposes; and whether he has made, arrangements for the presence in the waters off the Murmansk coast of an Admiralty vessel when the fishing season commences in September?

Mr. AMERY

In view of the assurances received from the Russian Government that British fishing vessels will not in future be molested while fishing off the Murmansk coast outside the three-miles limit, it is not considered that the expenditure of money on the provision of a special type of vessel for fishery protection purposes in North Russian waters can properly be recommended at the present moment.

Mr. ENTWISTLE

Is it not a fact that a vessel of this type has been shown to be useful for fishery protection purposes, apart from the question of Russia? As we cannot tell, until time has shown, whether the assurances will be fulfilled, ought not this vessel to be proceeded with in accordance with the previous promise?

Mr. AMERY

We have fishery protection vessels quite useful for this purpose, but if we wished to patrol the Murmansk coast during the later months, we should be compelled to go to great expense to provide specially equipped vessels. In view of the present circumstances, we do not think that extra expense ought to be incurred.

Mr. ENTWISTLE

Is it not a fact that the Admiralty have made arrangements to provide this vessel, and have circumstances arisen to countermand this order? Will not the Admiralty proceed with their previous promise?

Mr. AMERY

The Agreement with Russia has supervened upon that arrangement.

Captain Viscount CURZON

Is it intended to send one or both of the sloops back again?

Mr. AMERY

Not to the Murmansk coast, certainly.