HC Deb 21 May 1962 vol 660 cc23-5
37 and 38. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) if consideration has yet been completed of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the incident between the Danish Gunboat "Niels Ebbesen" and the Aberdeen fishing vessel "Red Crusader"; and what steps he intends to take to prevent the occurrence of such incidents and to promote and maintain harmonious relations between the Danish Government and British fishing vessels;

(2) in view of the finding by the Commission of Inquiry into the incident which occurred between 29th and 31st of May, 1961, in the North Sea between the Danish gunboat Niels Ebbesen "and the Aberdeen trawler" Red Crusader "that that gunboat exceeded the legitimate use of armed force on two counts by firing without warning of solid gun-shot and by creating danger to human life on board the "Red Crusader" and, that the cost of the repair of the damage caused by the firing at and hitting the "Red Crusader" submitted by the British Government was considered reasonable by the Danish agent, what steps are being taken to obtain the payment of that cost of repair and also compensation.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Peter Thomas)

The Commission's report is being examined by the Departments concerned. In considering what further action should be taken, full weight is naturally being given to the findings of the Commission about the use of gun-fire against the "Red Crusader". In the interests of improving relations between the two sides, we intend to discuss with the Danish Government the methods of enforcing fishery limits.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Under-Secretary aware that it is now, unfortunately, part of the express policy of the Danish Government to abandon its friendly relations with the Scottish fishing fleets in favour of violence such as that referred to in the Questions? Will he give an undertaking to embark on top-level conversations with the Danish Government with a view to restoring the harmonious relations which have hitherto existed between it and the Scottish fishing fleets? Does he realise that the answer to that throws a very sinister light on the negotiations about the Common Market?

Mr. Thomas

First, may I be permitted to say how delighted I am that the hon. and learned Member is quite obviously fully recovered from his unfortunate indisposition? I entirely disagree with him in his strictures against the Danish Government. The position, as he knows, is that we have had these findings of fact from the Commission. They are complex and they involve questions of far-reaching importance. I am sure he will agree that it is important that we give great consideration to them before we eventually decide what we should do.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the sum mentioned in my Second Question is now liquidated debt due by the Danish Government to the owners of the "Red Crusader", and will he see that that sum is recovered speedily?

Mr. Thomas

I only wish that the matter were as simple as that. The Danish Government's view is that there are counter-charges against the captain and the "Red Crusader".