§ 4. Captain Viscount CURZONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has as yet had any reply from the British representative at Moscow with regard to the arrest of British fishermen at Murmansk; whether he can indicate what steps the Government propose to take to secure their immediate release and the protection of British fishermen in these waters; whether he has any information as to where these men are; and whether they are safe and well cared for?
Mr. McNEILLNo report has yet been received from Moscow, and I have therefore nothing to add to the reply given on 9th April to the hon. and gallant Member for South-West Hull. The men are at Murmansk, and, according to a telegram from the master to the owners dated 3rd April, were being well treated.
§ Viscount CURZONHow long are we going to tolerate this state of affairs? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, according to maritime law, the Soviet Government has committed an act of piracy on the high seas towards British working men?
Mr. McNEILLI am sure my Noble Friend will appreciate that it is impossible for the Government to take drastic action without knowing exactly what has taken place.
§ Mr. HARRISWill the hon. Gentleman consider improving his Intelligence Department?