§ 4. Mr. GROTRIANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the circumstances attending the recent arrest of the steam trawler "Lowther," of Hull, in Icelandic waters; is he aware that the skipper of the vessel, T. Mason, had sustained serious injuries to his arm and thigh as the result of an accident on board, and was proceeding to an Icelandic port for the sole purpose of procuring 2180 medical aid, when he was arrested by the Icelandic authorities on a charge of non-compliance with the local regulations regarding the stowage of his fishing gear, and that he was not allowed to land and see the doctor until he had signed an admission of guilt and agreed to pay a fine of £115; and whether His Majesty's Government will take steps with a view to the reconsideration of this case by the Icelandic authorities and with a view to protecting British fishermen against treatment of this nature?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINA telegraphic report has now been received from the British Consul at the place stating that a copy of the Court records of the case will be despatched as soon as possible. Upon receipt of these, the matter will receive further careful consideration from His Majesty's Government.
§ 19. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of complaints made by British fishermen at their treatment by the Icelandic authorities while pursuing their lawful calling in waters adjacent to the Icelandic coast, and that the British Navy is not frequently represented in those waters; and what visits have been paid by vessels of His Majesty's Navy to Icelandic waters since the conclusion of the late War?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)I am aware of the complaints made and of the fact that visits of His Majesty's ships have been infrequent in these waters. With the hon. and gallant Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPOET particulars of the visits made since the conclusion of the War.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI think I would rather have the full answer now.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIf it be the wish of the House, I will read it.
§ Mr. SPEAKERPerhaps the hon. and gallant Member will forgo that, having regard to the fact that there are 89 questions on the Paper to-day.
§ Mr. GROTRIANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the ships that have been sent into these parts are quite unsuited to the work, and that it is highly dangerous to send them there?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI do not press for the details, but I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will sec that more frequent visits are made for the purpose of showing the flag, for the protection of our nationals?
§ Mr. BR1DGEMANI will consider that, and, if possible, I should be glad to accede to the hon. and gallant Member's request. With respect to the matter raised by the hon. Member for South-West Hull (Mr. Grotrian), I should be glad to hear any views or to receive any particulars which he may bring to my notice.
§ Sir WILFRID SUGDENWill the right hon. Gentleman be so good as to consult the leaders of the fishing fleets on the East Coast to ascertain from them their views as to the unjust treatment and penalties imposed upon them by these Icelandic people, and take into a consideration the fact that these fishermen are appealing for naval support?
§ The particulars promised are as follow:
§ 1921. His Majesty s Ship "Harebell" visited Reykjavik from 4th August to 12th August.
§ His Majesty's Ship "Harebell" visited Reykjavik from 27th July to 5th August.
§ On occasion of search for missing British and Icelandic trawlers, His Majesty's Ship "Harebell" and His Majesty's Ship "Godetia" were in Icelandic waters from 2nd to 8th March and visited Seydis Fiord and Lodmunder Fiord.