HC Deb 06 April 1976 vol 909 cc129-30W
45. Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that the Royal naval vessels currently providing protection for British trawlers fishing off Iceland are adequately equipped for their rôle.

Mr. Judd

Frigates are the type of Royal naval vessel currently providing protection; they are the most suitable Royal naval ships available in terms of speed, size and sea keeping.

Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost of damage to British naval vessels on protection duties concerned with the present "cod war".

Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Defence which Royal Navy vessels have been damaged during fishery protection work off Iceland; what is the estimated cost of repairs for each vessel; and, if this information is not yet available, when he expects it to be.

Mr. Judd

The following Royal Navy frigates have been damaged in collisions with Icelandic coastguard vessels since 25th November 1975 while providing protection for United Kingdom trawlers fishing on the high seas off Iceland: "Andromeda", "Leander", "Juno", "Diomede", "Lowestoft", "Yarmouth", "Mermaid", "Galatea", "Salisbury", "Tartar" and "Scylla". Final and detailed repair costs arising from these collisions will not be available until after work has been completed.