Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many British merchant vessels were chartered by Her Majesty's Government for Operation Purple Star; and if he will make a statement. [4333]
§ Mr. Soames[pursuant to his reply, 26 November 1996, c. 194]: I regret that due to a typographical error the word "No" was omitted from the start of my answer. Despite the rest of the answer it was not absolutely clear, therefore, that no British registered merchant vessels were chartered by my Department to take part in Operation Purple Star.