HC Deb 16 April 1973 vol 855 cc43-4W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will protest to the Eire Government about the release of the "Claudia" after it was detained by the Eire authorities off the Waterford coast and found to have arms and members of the IRA on board; and what explanation has been given by the Eire Government for its action in allowing the "Claudia" and its captain and crew to go free.

Mr. Anthony Royle

The arrest of the "Claudia" is the concern of the Irish Government. The affair issub judice in the Republic pending the trial of those arrested. We have, naturally, kept in touch with the Irish Government through the normal diplomatic channels: the details must remain confidential.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will protest to the West German Government about the gun-running activities of Herr Guenther Leinhauser, the managing director of the company which owned the "Claudia", and the captain, Hans Ludwig Fluegel; and what reply has been received.

Mr. Kershaw

The arrest of the "Claudia" is the concern of the Irish authorities. We are in touch with the German authorities in connection with the statements made by the individual concerned: the details must remain confidential.