§ 43. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will make a comprehensive statement on the purposes and results of the recent voyage of H.M.S. "Bramble", the Government ocean-going fishery protection vessel and mine-sweeper, to the fishing grounds near the coasts of Norway and the Faroes Islands where disputes arose as to the fouling of the nets of British fishing vessels by the actions of foreign fishing vessels; and if he will, in particular, publish the evidence collected and conclusions he has reached and agreements arrived at as a result of that voyage.
§ The Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Christopher Soames)The patrol of Her Majesty's Ship "Bramble" was arranged at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, following reports of damage to gear sustained by British drifters off the Norwegian coast, where Soviet fishing boats were also 196 operating. The commanding officer was able to secure the co-operation of the Soviet vessels with a view to reducing the risk of such incidents. No incidents have been reported since Her Majesty's Ship "Bramble" left the area.
§ Mr. HughesWhile thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether it is completely exhaustive, and whether he will publish or put into the Library the evidence which was collected and the conclusions at which the Ministry arrived? Does he not think that some permanent method should be devised to settle disputes of this kind quickly and in a friendly manner when they arise?
§ Mr. SoamesThis dispute was settled in a friendly manner. When the "Bramble" reached the scene the captain went aboard at the invitation of the masters of the two Russian vessels and handed them a note in Russian. The masters were most friendly and co-operative and undertook to distribute the note and promulgate the request to all Soviet vessels in the area.
§ Lady TweedsmuirDoes my hon. Friend consider that these incidents were deliberate or were due to bad seamanship, as they took place over a long period of time?
§ Mr. SoamesWe have no evidence that they were deliberate.