§ 21. Mr. Loughlinasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the use of Her Majesty's naval vessels as agents on behalf of foreign Governments for the purpose of arresting British subjects or ships owned by British nationals.
§ Mr. LoughlinIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 22nd May he indicated to me that H.M.S "Palliser" had not only stopped a British ship but had boarded her and immobilised the engines of the trawler so that she could be arrested by the Icelandic Government vessel? Is not the British Government getting a little tired, as the fishing industry is getting a little tired, of piracy on the high seas which is taking place on this issue, when a 24-mile limit is being applied by the Icelandic Government? Is it to be the Government's policy to assist them?
§ Mr. HayNo, Sir. I think that the hon. Member should perhaps look again at the reply which I gave to him on 22nd May about the action of Her Majesty's ship "Palliser". It is important to remember that the "Odin" was claiming the right of hot pursuit and was believed to be prepared to use force to effect an arrest. The trawler's skipper had refused to submit to arrest and a violent clash with the "Odin" appeared imminent. The decision of the commanding officer of the "Palliser" to immobilise the "Milwood" was taken to prevent bloodshed, and Her Majesty's ship was in no sense the agent of the Icelandic Government. I am sure that the action of the commanding officer in these extremely difficult and confused circumstances was correct.