§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which a Danish gunboat attacked and shot off the mast of the trawler "Aberdeen Venturer" off the Faroe Islands on 4th January, 1967, and on the other loss and damage caused thereby; and what steps he is taking in the matter.
§ Mr. RossThe only established fact of this incident appears to be that, off the north coast of the Faroes, the Danish 53W Naval Fishery Protection Vessel "Vaedderen" opened fire in an attempt to stop the "Aberdeen Venturer" as a result of which the wireless antennae at the top of the mast was shot away; no other damage appears to have been sustained. The reported statements made on behalf of the owners of the vessel and by the Danish authorities about the circumstances of the incident are, however, conflicting. As there is a possibility of court proceedings I am not at present able to make a statement on the circumstances, or to indicate what action may be taken.