HC Deb 28 January 1931 vol 247 c946
12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received information of the arrest of eight British trawlers, including two, the "Gaivany" and "Faraday," from Hull, by the Icelandic gunboats off Dyrafjord; if he is aware that the trawlers were lying at anchor, having been driven to take shelter by stress of weather; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

Yes, Sir, I have received a report from the British Consul-General in Iceland that five of these trawlers, including, I understand, the "Galvany" and the "Faraday," have been acquitted, that three have been fined sums varying from five to eight hundred Icelandic crowns each, and that a ninth case is still being investigated. The British Consul-General, who has been in close touch with the Icelandic Government throughout the proceedings, adds that the skippers have not appealed, but that he is continuing to watch any possible further developments.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it possible for my right hon. Friend to have renewed representations made to the Icelandic Government against this continual molestation of our trawlers?

Captain GUNSTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us what those sums mean in English money?

Mr. HENDERSON

Not unless I get a mathematician—[Interruption.] understood that my hon. and gallant Friend was making a joke, and I think I am entitled to reply.

Captain GUNSTON

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker—[Interruption.]