§ 62. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the British trawlers "St. Amant" and "Thomas Hardy," of Hull, and one trawler from Grimsby, which are reported to have been arrested by a Danish war vessel while fishing off Iceland; and what steps he is taking to effect their release?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)Yes, Sir. I am informed that these three vessels were arrested on the 9th of April and that the two former were released on the 11th of April. Immediately on receipt of this information my right hon. Friend sent telegraphic instructions to the British Consul at Reykjavik to furnish a full report on these cases, together with copies of the Court records.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the trawlers fishing off Iceland are being continually interfered with, and will he now consider making representations to the Icelandic authorities on this subject?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is now making very full inquiries into the whole position.
§ 63. Mr. WOMERSLEYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make inquiries into the case of the steam trawler "Waldorf," of Grimsby, recently fined by the Icelandic authorities the sum of £318 in English currency, in addition to having her catch and gear, valued at £685, confiscated for the alleged offence of having her gear in very bad disorder whilst within the Icelandic territorial waters; and will he further obtain a full Report of the Court proceedings?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONMy right hon. Friend has already instructed the British Consul at Reykjavik to report fully on this case and to transmit a copy of the Court proceedings.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYWill the hon. Gentleman allow me to see the Report when it arrives?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONYes, certainly.