§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further measures Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue in order to protect British lives and cargoes in the Arabian Gulf.
§ Mr. EggarAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence said during his recent visit to Oman, the Royal Navy has increased its profile in the Gulf to provide reassurance to those who operate and sail in merchant ships there, and to give assistance should this be needed. We keep in regular contact with the shipowners' and the seamens' unions and continually review what more could reasonably be done to ensure safe passage for merchant sailors and vessels in the Gulf.