HC Deb 22 May 1963 vol 678 cc435-6
40. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that the Aberdeen trawler"Milwood"is detained in Reykjavik by Icelandic authorities without any court order, notwithstanding guarantees offered by her owners; and what steps he is taking to protect British interests there and in particular to support the trawler owners' offer of guarantees.

Mr. P. Thomas

I understand that the trawler "Milwood" is detained upon a ruling by the judge of the Icelandic court which is conducting an inquiry into the incident, pending the conclusion of the inquiry or until otherwise decided. Until the inquiry is finished, I do not think that it would be in the owners' interests for me to make any public comment or to initiate any action at this stage.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that the order of the court was made after the capture of this trawler in mid-ocean, that the rule of law should be observed and that the presence or absence of Mr. Smith in Reykjavik is quite a different matter from the detention of this trawler—a money-making concern—which is losing large sums of money for the owners? Would it not be right for the Government to accede to the request of the owners of the trawler to back the guarantee which the owners gave in Reykjavik for its release? Surely the Government should back that and let the trawler be released. It has nothing to do with the presence or absence of Mr. Smith.

Mr. Thomas

Regarding the hon. and learned Member's comments on the rule of law. I am sure that he will agree that I cannot comment on the legal procedures of another country. I am advised, however, that there is nothing in international law to preclude the detention of the trawler pending the completion of the inquiry. As to the absence of Skipper Smith, I agree that this is a different matter, but the hon. and learned Member will understand that although we have no power, and would not wish to have any power, to compel Mr. Smith to stand trial in Iceland, it is our hope that he will do so; and that may well resolve this difficult matter.

Mr. Hoy

Have the British Government been invited to take part in an inquiry? If so, will the Foreign Office be officially represented?

Mr. Thomas

Our representatives are in continuous touch with the Icelandic Government over this matter.

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