HC Deb 23 January 1963 vol 670 cc77-8W
Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is yet in a position to give details of the final settlement of the incident involving the Scottish trawler "Red Crusader" in May 1961.

Mr. P. Thomas

Her Majesty's Government and the Danish Government have now completed their consultation about the Report of the Commission of Enquiry into the incidents affecting the Scottish trawler "Red Crusader" at the end of May 1961. In their desire to remove a source of disagreement between them, the two Governments have decided that the incident should be settled by a mutual waiver of all claims and charges arising out of the incident. These waivers enter into effect forthwith. The owners of the trawler have concurred in this settlement.

As a result, Skipper Wood and the "Red Crusader" are free to enter Danish waters without fear of arrest in relation to the events of May, 1961, and the owners' claim for compensation has been dropped. The two Governments consider that the incident can now be considered closed, though without prejudice to the views on points of law maintained by each Government.