§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a report on the activities of Her Majesty's navy and protection vessels in Icelandic waters during the last twelve months, indicating the number of ships and men engaged in these operations, the cost to the Treasury and the results achieved to date.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingIn the last twelve months the Royal Navy has continued to provide protection for British trawlers fishing off Iceland. From two to four of Her Majesty's ships have been so engaged and two are on patrol at present. The average crew of each is about 200. As regard the cost, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bodmin (Mr. Marshall) on 15th February. I am glad to say that during this period not only have we prevented any British trawlers being arrested on the internationally recognised high seas but on many occasions we have rendered medical and material help.