§ 28. Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a further statement on naval activities in defence of the British trawler fleet off Iceland.
§ Mr. William RodgersWe will continue to provide protection for British trawlers exercising their lawful right to fish peacefully in waters off Iceland so long as harassment by Icelandic coastguard vessels continues.
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a progress statement regarding the operations of the Royal Navy in supporting the deep sea fishing fleet off Iceland, with special reference to incidents involving the frigates "Andromeda" and "Leander".
§ Mr. William RodgersRoyal Navy protection has enabled the trawlers' catches to compare favourably with those of this time last year, despite the aggressive and irresponsible action of Icelandic coastguard vessels, which has increased the hazards of the operation. HMS "Andromeda" was involved in an incident on 28th December when the Icelandic coastguard vessel "Tyr" turned in towards her, lost manoeuvrability and collided with HMS "Andromeda's" starboard side. HMS "Andromeda" was involved in a further incident on 7th January when the "Thor" turned in and struck HMS "Andromeda's" port side near the stern. HMS "Leander" was also struck by the "Thor" on 9th January. The Icelandic vessel several times closed and turned away before she finally turned away too late to avoid her stern coming into contact with HMS "Leander".