HC Deb 28 November 1968 vol 774 cc176-7W
Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the numbers and activities of Soviet naval and other vessels off the shores of Orkney and Shetland and using anchorages there.

Mr. Healey

There have been several occasions recently on which two or three Soviet warships and support vessels have appeared off the Scottish coast, and in particular Orkney and Shetland, although there is no evidence that they have entered British territorial waters.

On 22nd November four Russian destroyers, accompanied by a tug and an oiler, were at an anchorage off the Orkneys. Refuelling was observed. Two of the destroyers, accompanied by the oiler, left the same day, and the other three vessels have now departed.

The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force keep these activities under surveillance.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 1st January, 1968 Soviet naval vessels have entered British territorial waters off the Scottish mainland and islands, with or without permission.

Mr. Healey

There is no evidence that this has taken place.