§ Mr. Loydenasked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to safeguard the lives of British seamen operating in the Persian Gulf.
§ Mr. RidleyThe Government have watched the safety of navigation in the Arabian Gulf closely since the beginning of hostilities between Iraq and Iran in 1980; and have periodically issued guidance through the General Council of British Shipping to British shipowners on the changing pattern of events; most recently on 23 May in the following terms. Such advice helps those involved to assess the risks to vessels and their crews in the Gulf.
It is British shipowners' normal practice to inform their crews when a voyage will involve a passage within the gulf, and afford seamen an opportunity to leave a ship if they wish before it enters the declared war zone.
The Government will continue to watch events in the gulf critically, to assess their consequences for British shipping, and to issue further advice as the situation demands.
A British seaman will if necessary be able to call on the services of consular officials in the usual way.
Following is the guidance issued on 23 May:
The Iran/Iraq conflict continues to present a threat to shipping. A Panamanian vessel was sunk on 19 May following an attack which took place near Kharg Island. This obviously underlines the heightened risks involved in operating in the Gulf. These risks are likely to persist. The Government therefore advises masters and owners to pay particular attention to this development before deciding to send their vessels into this area.