HC Deb 19 May 1952 vol 501 cc18-9
20. Sir D. Savory

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what protest has been made to the Norwegian Government against the sentence under which the Grimsby trawler "Royal Marine" was ordered to pay a fine and damages amounting to 163,500 kroner for allegedly fishing in Norwegian waters.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I understand that the owners of the trawler "Royal Marine" intend to appeal to a higher court against this sentence, in accordance with the Norwegian law. The matter is, therefore, still sub judice; and the question of intervention by Her Majesty's Government does not at present arise.

Sir D. Savory

In view of this extensive claim, would it not be relevant to ask Her Majesty's Government if they would draw a line from, say, Yarmouth to Peterhead and say that the waters within that line are our territorial waters and that we will not allow any foreign fishermen to take our fish?

Mr. Lloyd

As I understand the case, it is alleged that the trawler was guilty of infringing the recent decision of the International Court. That matter is being tried in the Norwegian courts, and there is an appeal pending. The other matters to which my hon. Friend referred do not really arise.