HC Deb 27 June 1960 vol 625 cc91-2W
72. Mr. Awbery

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty what has been the cost of maintaining fishery protection vessels off the coast of Iceland since the dispute began on the question of coastal waters; how many attempts have been made to

Mr. Iain Macleod

The following table shows the number of medical practitioners who qualified in each of the last ten years from the Central Medical School, Fiji, and the Territories from which they came:

arrest British trawlers; how many were unsuccessful; and what decision has now been reached on the instruction to be given to trawlers in the area of territorial and fishing waters.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Since 1st September, 1958, when the fisheries dispute with Iceland began there has been some reinforcement of the Fishery Protection Squadron off Iceland. Her Majesty's ships engaged on this duty would, if they had not been so employed, have undertaken other naval duties. There has, however, been some additional expenditure on fuel and in maintaining a replenishment tanker in the area. Up to 31st May, 1960, the additional expenditure under these headings was approximately £670,000.

Seventy attempts have been made to arrest British trawlers; none of these has been successful.

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food stated on 28th April, Her Majesty's Government are not in a position to give instructions to trawlers.