Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the incident in the Firth of Clyde on 6th June when, during naval exercises, a United States submarine narrowly missed colliding with a fishing boat; and if he will take steps to ensure that harbour masters, port authorities and fishing interests are advised of the dates when naval exercises will take place.
§ Mr. KirkWhile engaged in routine training in the declared submarine exercise area of Inchmarnock water, a United States Navy submarine from Holy Loch sighted through its periscope a vessel about 3,000 yards away. The vessel began to manoeuvre, the submarine took evasive action and slowed to 3 knots, and the vessel passed close ahead of it.
Submarine operations and exercise areas are publicised in Notices to Mariners, Admiralty charts, and in warnings each year from the naval authorities to the local interests involved.