§ 6. Commander SOUTHBYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the recent recognition by His Majesty's Government of Norwegian sovereignty over Jan Mayen Island, he will state whether His Majesty's Government has at any time since the discovery of the island by Henry Hudson in 1607 laid claim to sovereignty over the island; and, if so, for what reason His Majesty's Government has now abandoned such claim?
Mr. A. HENDERSONHis Majesty's Government have at no time laid claim to sovereignty over this island. It has certainly been stated that the island was granted by James I in 1618 to the Corporation of Hull; but this grant, if made, was never effective. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Major ROSSWhy have the rights of Hull been so neglected? Is there no representative to safeguard them?
§ Commander SOUTHBYWill the right hon. Gentleman convey his reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) who sits behind him?