§ 13. Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that the new proposals he announced in his statement on 11th February provide adequate protection against possible sabotage or hijacking of North Sea gas and oil installations by terrorist groups.
§ Mr. William RodgersYes, Sir.
§ Mr. TownsendHas the Minister taken note of the recent Soviet naval activity in the area, including a patrol by a Russian submarine? Does he not understand that it is essential to have naval helicopters in the area? Bearing in mind the wide criticisms that have come from independent defence experts, will the hon. Gentleman be sufficiently broad-minded to take a completely new look at his proposals. which are totally inadequate?
§ Mr. RodgersWith respect, the hon. Gentleman is confusing two different problems. One problem is that to which he has referred this afternoon—namely, the visits to the area of Soviet ships. All I can say is that they have made no infringement of the safety zone, although we continue to pay careful attention to their movements in the light of inter- 262 national law. The announcement I made earlier this year was concerned with the problems of hijacking and sabotage. Of course we shall remain broad-minded, but for the moment we have no reason to change our mind on the fact that our original proposals are sound.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesWhen the Russians were snooping round the rigs, can the Minister tell us what was the position of HMS "Jura" and HMS "Reward"? How long would it have taken them to get to the area at full speed?
§ Mr. RodgersI can tell the hon. and gallant Gentleman that when, as he chooses to put it, the Russians were snooping round the rigs, they were under close surveillance from Nimrod aircraft. As he knows, the availability of aircraft is an important part of this package.