Mr. John David Taylorasked the Prime Minister whether she has received representations about an incident in the Irish sea on Thursday 19 February; what information she has on damage caused to a British fishing boat; whether the incident took place in United Kingdom waters; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI have received no such representations. The incident occurred in the Irish sea outside United Kingdom waters. I understand that no damage was sustained to the fishing vessel's hull or machinery but her fishing gear was lost. On the incident itself, I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces gave to him on 24 February at column222.