§ 37. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Defence in how many cases, and where, British merchant ships 466 have been molested by foreign warships during the last 10 years; and what plans, he has for increasing the numbers of, and equipment for, naval vessels to provide further protection from foreign interference.
§ Dr. David OwenReported cases of molestation of British merchant shipping by foreign warships over the last 10 years have been very few but any questions of detail should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. We are constantly reviewing our measures for merchant shipping protection and we discuss the position regularly with the Shipping Defence Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. HughesHowever few incidents there are, does the Under-Secretary realise that molestation inflicts great damage on British fishing fleets? Would he take steps to see that British fleets are adequately protected?
§ Dr. OwenIf my hon. and learned Friend has in mind any particular cases, I should be grateful if he would let me have details and I will look into them.
§ Mr. WallIs the hon. Gentleman aware that since the dissolution of the specialised Fishery Protection Squadron there has been evidence to show that there is not sufficient protection for British fishing fleets?
§ Dr. OwenI do not have that evidence, but if the hon. Gentleman can provide it I shall certainly consider it.