HL Deb 26 July 1990 vol 521 cc1779-80WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What international convention, or, if none, what other agreement, establishes appropriate liability provisions to cover the movements of United States ships carrying stocks of nerve gas from the Federal Republic of Germany through the English Channel, that is within either British or French territorial waters and within the area of traffic management.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (The Earl of Arran)

None.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are being taken, by whom, and at whose expense, to ensure that risks of accident involving the United States vessels carrying nerve gas stocks through the Channel are kept as low as possible, and what precautionary measures are being devised.

The Earl of Arran

The safety precautions and other arrangements made to ensure the safe transit of these munitions are a matter for the United States Government.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are satisfied that the movement of nerve gas stocks through the British Fishing Zone will be appropriately monitored.

The Earl of Arran

Yes.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are satisfied with the precautions the United States Administration will be taking once nerve gas stocks reach their destination, and that there will be minimum risk to British Dependent Territories throughout the vessels' journeys.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The Earl of Caithness)

Yes.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any Commonwealth countries in the Pacific or elsewhere have asked for, or been provided with, diplomatic or other assistance in relation to the movement of vessels carrying cargoes of nerve gas.

The Earl of Caithness

We have not received any such requests.