asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is now in a position to make a statement on the course and result of the international commission of inquiry into the "Red Crusader" incident which was due to begin on 21st November, 1961.

No, Sir. The case is still before the Commission, the proceedings of which are being held in private.

Does the Minister of State realise that this inquiry is taking a very long time and has an important bearing upon the law of the sea, particularly in the North Sea? Will he keep his eye on it and make a full report to the House and arrange for the full debate on it when the report is ready?

I will certainly keep my eye on it, but it is because of its important and far-reaching implications that it is taking a long time.