§ 24. Mr. ARNOTTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that on the night of 29th October the Hull steam trawler "Lord Mountbatten," while engaged in fishing, 51½ 16 miles off the Norwegian coast, near Harbaken, was challenged by a Norwegian gunboat, which approached without showing navigation lights, turned its searchlight. on the "Lord Mountbatten," and fired across its bows; that the captain of the gunboat first accused the "Lord Mountbatten" of being inside the four-mile limit, and when his error had been demonstrated and admitted, remained near the "Lord Mountbatten" and the trawler "Waveflower," also fishing in the vicinity; and whether he will inquire into the matter with a view to making representations to the Norwegian Government?
§ Mr. DALTONYes, Sir. This incident has already been reported to my right hon. Friend, who is making strong representations to the Norwegian Government.
§ Mr. ARNOTTWill the hon. Gentleman do his best to see that British rights are maintained in these waters?
§ Mr. DALTONYes, Sir. We shall do our best to see that the Norwegian Government do not claim excessive powers to interfere with British vessels in Norwegian waters.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill my hon. Friend be more jealous of these rights than the last Government?