HC Deb 04 February 1931 vol 247 cc1790-1
5. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any recent representations have been made on behalf of His Majesty's Government to the Icelandic authorities on the subject of the frequent arrests of British trawlers by the Icelandic gunboats and the heavy punishments meted out for alleged illegal fishing?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

No such representations have been made recently. I am, however, still awaiting full details before I can form a definite opinion on the cases referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend in his question of the 28th of January.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these cases have now reached a great number, and that in many of them the only offence of the fishermen is that they have taken shelter from gales and bad weather, and will he see how he can protect these hardworking men?

Mr. HENDERSON

That will com,e under consideration when I have received the reports.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman have special inquiries made respecting the carrying out of the regulations on the stowing of gear, particularly in stormy weather, when our vessels have to run to harbour for shelter?

Mr. HENDERSON

I will take that into consideration when I have the reports in my hand.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. LAMBERT WARD

Have the Icelandic authorities made any claim to extend their territorial waters to 12 miles?

Mr. HENDERSON

Not that I am aware of.

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