HC Deb 01 July 1963 vol 680 cc6-7W
60. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that the owners of the Aberdeen trawler"Milwood" are being inconvenienced by the delay in hearing and deciding the relevant issues in dispute relating to the trawler's capture at sea and detention in Iceland, and are being deprived of her use as a money-making ship; what stage the investigation has reached; and if he will take urgent steps to secure her release and restoration to her owners in Aberdeen.

Mr. Heath

On 26th June the Icelandic Supreme Court upheld the court of inquiry's ruling under which the"Milwood"is being detained, and stated that the trawler might continue to be detained until the case against her skipper had been heard. The case has been called for 5th September.

The Icelandic Government have informed Her Majesty's Ambassador that the Supreme Court's ruling is permissive, not mandatory. The representatives of the trawler's owner are therefore trying to arrange for her release as soon as possible.

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