§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the circumstances of the arrest of Greenpeace "Rainbow Warrior" by Icelandic authorities while trying to protect fin whales.
§ Sir Ian GilmourThe Icelandic whaling company applied for an injunction in a Reykjavik civil court to prevent the Greenpeace Vessel "Rainbow Warrior" from interfering with its activities. At a hearing of the court on 18 June, the Greenpeace lawyer applied for a postponement of the case. This was granted on condition that the "Rainbow154W Warrior" remained in port. Written agreement to this condition was given by the master of "Rainbow Warrior", but, nevertheless, "Rainbow Warrior" attempted to sail out of Reykjavik that night. The vessel was ordered to return to port by the Icelandic coastguard. The case was then postponed by the common agreement of the whaling company, the Greenpeace lawyer and the Icelandic judge, until Thursday 28 June, on condition that the "Rainbow Warrior" remained in harbour. The judge made an order to this effect. We understand that, in contravention of this order, the "Rainbow Warrior" made a further attempt to leave Reykjavik on the evening of Saturday 23 June. Her Majesty's embassy is in touch with the Icelandic authorities.