§ 35. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has made any representations to the Icelandic authorities with regard to their treatment of British fishermen since he assumed office; if so, on how many occasions, on what dates, and in connection with which cases; and what was the result of such representations?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINInstructions were sent to His Majesty's representative at Copenhagen to make representations to the Danish Government in regard to fines imposed on masters of British trawlers for technical offences against the Icelandic fishery regulations, in the following cases: on 5th March in regard to the "Veresis"; on 7th March in regard to the "Malvolio"; on 20th March in regard to the "Waldorf"; on 15th May in regard to the "Ninus," and on 24th July in regard to the "Quercia." No replies have yet been received to these representations, and His Majesty's representative has been instructed by telegram to endeavour to expedite matters.
§ 36. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received a Report on the case of Skipper Mason, of the Hull trawler "Lowther," who, on running into Dyrafjord after breaking his arm and thigh, was fined £125 by the Icelandic authorities for not having his gear properly stowed; and what action he is taking in this case and other cases of severe sentences on British fishermen for technical offences inflicted by the Icelandic authorities?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI cannot yet add anything to the reply given in answer to a similar question put by the hon. Member for South-West Hull (Mr. Grotrian) on the 22nd July last.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to inform me when a reply has been received?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, I will. May I qualify that, however, by stating that I will inform the hon. and gallant Gentleman when I am in a position to give him any further information?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYThank you; that is what I want.