§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if he has had any representations from British shipping interests concerning piracy of, in particular, container ships awaiting berths in West African ports; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if Her Majesty's Government have made any representations to West African Governments concerning piracy of, in particular, British container ships awaiting berths in West African ports; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EyreRepresentations have been made by shipowners and the seafaring unions about attacks on British ships, most of which occur in the vicinity of Nigerian ports. Other European countries' ships have suffered similarly and three demarches have been made to 229W the Nigerian authorities on behalf of the members of the European Economic Community. None has had any noticeable effect and action by Her Majesty's Government alone is unlikely to fare better. It remains to be seen whether more recently reported Nigerian intentions to introduce counter measures will achieve any lasting improvement. In the meantime, discussions will shortly be held with shipowners and seafaring unions to consider whether already recommended ship-board precautions against attacks can be made more effective without increasing the risk to crews' safety.