HC Deb 12 June 1928 vol 218 cc815-6
59. Mr. WOMERSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will institute immediate inquiries into the circumstances of the recent arrests of the Grimsby trawlers "Sheraton," "Nylshan," "Sarpedon," and "Courser," by the Icelandic authorities; and if he will instruct a representative of His Majesty's Government to attend the trials of the skippers of these vessels.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Yes, Sir. In accordance with the usual procedure I have already instructed His Majesty's Consul at Reykjavik to report on these cases. I understand that the trials have already taken place.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Will the right hon. Member communicate with me when he has received the report in view of the fact that this is a wholesale system of arrest and that it is time something was done in the way of investigation.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Certainly.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Is the right hon. Member aware that on former occasions when I have asked questions and I have been assured that I would receive a report I have never received one?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I was not aware of that fact.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Is the hon. Member satisfied that the skippers or the owners have full legal assistance?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I should like to have notice of that question.