§ 4. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British fishing vessels have had their captains or owners punished in foreign courts of justice for alleged infringements of fishery regulations during the past five years.
§ Mr. NuttingBetween 1st April, 1951, and 31st March, 1956, there were 44 such convictions.
§ Mr. EvansIs not the Minister aware of the intense feeling among British fishermen at the treatment which they receive from foreign Governments, compared with the very light penalties imposed by British courts when foreign vessels infringe our regulations? Is he not aware that most of the latest infringements by British fishermen are technical ones and that the punishment bears no relation whatsoever to the offence? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that these trials have some sense of justice and that our fishermen are well represented?
§ Mr. NuttingI do not dispute the hon. Gentleman's view on this matter, and I agree there is an element of injustice in comparison with our treatment of those who infringe our territorial waters, but it is, of course, a matter for foreign Governments, and we are not in a position to alter the laws of foreign countries.