§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether it was with his authority that Rear Admiral Reffell, Flag Officer Third Flotilla, stated to journalists in New York that missiles aimed at HMS Hermes were deflected, hitting Atlantic Conveyor;
265W(2) by what means Argentine missiles aimed at HMS Hermes were deflected on the occasion when Atlantic Conveyor was hit.
§ Mr. BlakerThe missiles were fired at the carrier battle group, which consisted of a number of ships including HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible. Standard anti-missile protection measures were taken, including the firing of chaff. The missiles failed to acquire a warship but unfortunately locked on to the Atlantic Conveyor which was at the edge of their search area. Rear Admiral Reffell did not require Ministerial authority to speak to the press during HMS Hermes' visit to New York.