HC Deb 14 April 1943 vol 388 cc1185-6
4. Mr. Muff

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the lives of the crew of the Hull trawler, "War Grey," were endangered when she was fired upon by an Icelandic gun-boat upon the high seas and damaged; that the trawler was taken into an Iceland port; that the gear and catch were confiscated; the skipper fined £1,553 and sent to prison for two months; and, as this trawler was fishing outside the three miles limit, what steps he proposes to take to free a British subject detained by a friendly Power protected by the British Navy.

Mr. Eden

As regards the first part of the Question, it is alleged by the Icelandic authorities that the Icelandic gun-boat had to fire on the "War Grey" because she refused to stop when called upon to do so. As regards the second, third and fourth parts, the facts are, according to my information, as stated by my hon. Friend. The skipper has appealed against the sentence. As regards the last part of the Question, the charge brought against the skipper was one of fishing in prohibited waters off Iceland, abducting an officer from an Icelandic coastguard vessel and disregarding signals to stop. His Majesty's Representative at Reykjavik has been instructed to forward a full report on the case and on the court proceedings. When this report has been received all the evidence will be carefully examined. Until this has been done, I would prefer to reserve judgment.

Mr. Muff

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the mate of this trawler has returned to this country and that he is categorical in his statements that they were fishing outside the three-mile limit, that they tried for 24 hours to put this officer of the unfriendly Icelandic Government on shore, that this boat was hit 20 times at 30 yards range——

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member is giving information instead of asking for it.

Mr. Muff

Will you allow me this final question of 20 words? Will my right hon. Friend see to it that this British subject has counsel to help him, with no admiral there?

Mr. Eden

I have no doubt that our Consul will help him, and I can assure my hon. Friend that when I have the full report I will arrange to go into it and discuss it with him.

Mr. Muff

We want an hour of Palmerston.

Mr. Kirkwood

Eden will do for us.