HC Deb 24 July 1973 vol 860 cc335-6W
Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of State for Defence if, in view of concern in Humberside, he will investigate the support being given by the naval force to the trawling fleet fishing off Iceland.

Mr. Blaker

The arrangements for providing support by Royal Naval ships for British trawlers fishing on the high seas off Iceland are kept under careful review.

Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the collision on Friday 20th July between the frigate "Arethusa", and the Icelandic gunboat "Aegir".

Mr. Blaker

The collision on 20th July was between the frigate HMS "Arethusa" and the Iceland coastguard patrol vessel "Odinn". The two ships remained on parallel courses, about 40 feet apart, for over 50 minutes until "Odinn" sounded two blasts on her siren and turned into the starboard side of the frigate damaging the guardrail and carrying away the starboard accommodation ladder. An oral protest was made to the Icelandic Government on 21st July and is being followed up by a written protest.