HC Deb 19 November 1970 vol 806 c460W
Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many incidents of collision or near collision between ships of the Royal Navy and vessels of the Soviet fleet have been reported in each of the years 1960 to 1970; what damage and loss of life occurred; and what instructions have been issued to commanding officers of Royal Navy ships.

Mr. Kirk

Apart from the recent incident concerning the "Ark Royal", there have been no collisions between H.M. ships and vessels of the Soviet Fleet during the last 10 years, although dangerous situations have arisen from time to time.

H.M. ships are instructed to pay scrupulous regard to the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea.