HC Deb 03 February 1954 vol 523 cc34-5W
70. Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what circumstances the British motor vessel "Servo" was seized by the Spanish authorities in the Straits of Gibraltar on 26th January and escorted to Algeciras.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I am informed that on 26th January the British-registered motor vessel "Servo" was detained on her way to Tangier from Gibraltar by a Spanish Customs gunboat and taken to Algeciras, where her crew and cargo were seized. The crew have since been released, and mail which the ship was carrying has been returned. A formal charge of smuggling has now been made and the case will be heard at the provincial court at Cadiz on 6th February. The British Vice-Consul at Cadiz will be present in court.