§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many British fishing vessels have, since 78W the fisheries dispute with Iceland began, been convicted by Icelandic courts of offences, indicating the nature of each offence and the penalties exacted in each case.
§ Mr. GodberThere have been two such convictions. The skipper of the "Valafell" was fined approximately £1,600 plus costs, and his catch and gear were confiscated, on one count of alleged illegal fishing. The fine has since been increased to about £2,200 on appeal. The skipper of the "Lord Montgomery" was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, a fine of about £3,200 and confiscation of catch and gear on 21 counts of alleged illegal fishing and two counts of alleged illegal stowage of gear. The skipper and the trawler were released on deposit of bond by the owners. Both skippers were sent in for trial on the instructions of their owners.