HC Deb 07 May 1958 vol 587 cc1193-4
8. Mr. Wall

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of vessels of the Fishery Protection Squadron now in Icelandic waters.

Mr. R. Allan

One, Sir, Her Majesty's Ship "Hound".

Mr. Wall

Can my hon. Friend assure the House that the British trawlers will receive adequate protection, particularly in view of possible unilateral action by foreign Governments, and can he also say whether the captains have received up-to-date orders to enable them to compete in any possible situation which may arise?

Mr. Allan

In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, there are other ships in the Fishery Protection Squadron. Two of these are now carrying out normal programmes and could. if necessary, be moved to Iceland.

In reply to the second part of the supplementary question, the captains of these vessels have the normal instructions to assist British trawlers and indeed, as they so often do, to assist trawlers of any nationality.