§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the reasons why Strathclyde fire brigade was required at the Faslane submarine base on 18 August; at what distance was the Nathanael Greene from the fire; and whether any explosion occurred on that day.
§ Mr. StanleyThe Strathclyde fire brigade responded to a routine call following a fire alarm at the Clyde submarine base. The fire took place in an enclosed steel machinery space on the Admiralty floating dock in which the USS Nathanael Greene was at the time. The fire was approximately 10 m from the USS Nathanael Greene, but it was of a minor nature, there was no explosion, and the submarine was not endangered at any time.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether an inquiry has been ordered into events at Faslane on 18 August.
§ Mr. StanleyThe normal local investigation following an incident of this kind has taken place.