67. Mr. Hector Hugesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the prosecution 9W at Thorshavn, Faroe, of Skipper Joseph Glass who was in command of the Aberdeen trawler, "Aberdeen Venturer" and was on or about 13th March 1967 accused of fishing inside Faroese limits and against whom claims of£11,500 were made; what assistance he is giving to Skipper Joseph Glass; and what further steps he is taking to protect British fishermen and fishing rights in the North Sea and adjacent British fishing grounds.
§ Mr. MulleyOn 30th March the court imposed fines amounting to£9,028 on the skipper and owners of the "Aberdeen Venturer", but, as leave to appeal was granted, it would be improper for me to comment at this stage.
The British Honorary Vice-Consul at Thorshavn helped to arrange the representation in court of the skipper and the owners and attended all the court proceedings. No further assistance was requested.
A decision on whether or not to take further steps will be taken after all the legal proceedings have been concluded.