HC Deb 02 July 1958 vol 590 cc1314-5
22. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what answer has been received to his protest against the landing on Shetland by Russian seamen in pursuit of a refugee.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I have not yet received a reply to the protest.

Mr. Grimond

If it proves that the facts are as stated, was not this an intolerable intrusion of a type which the Russians would be the first deeply to resent if it happened to them? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman and his colleagues look into the whole situation of the Russian fishing fleet in our waters? We are not averse to having the Russian fishing fleet off the Shetlands, where it spends a large part of the year, but would it not be as well to regularise its position and encourage it to use Shetland ports if it is to be there at all?

Mr. Lloyd

In reply to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I am inclined to agree with him. I think it better to await the reply to the protest. In regard to the second part, I will certainly give that further consideration.

Mr. Woodburn

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman in his negotiations try to persuade the Russians to allow our fishing fleet to go as near the Russian coast as they come to ours?

Mr. Lloyd

There is a great deal in what the right hon. Gentleman suggests, but I think we are getting a little away from the Question.