§ Lord Drumalbynasked Her Majesty's Government:
- (i) how many Russian vessels were anchored in Loch Broom between 8th and 19th October;
- (ii) what type were they;
- (iii) what were they doing there; and
- (iv) how many of their officers have now landed at or near Ullapool, and, if any Russian officers have landed, for how long will they remain there.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)Between these date USSR vessels anchored in Loch Broom totalled 14, of which 11 were klondykers, two transport vessels and one an oil tanker. The klondykers were there to process fish bought from the west of Scotland herring and mackerel fisheries, the transport vessels were supplying cartons and barrels to the klondykers and taking on processed fish, while the tanker was supplying fuel oil to the klondykers.
Landings by these vessels' crews are a matter for immigration officers who board each vessel on arrival and check the crew list. The number of landings by officers is not known, but any visits on shore are infrequent and of short duration.