HC Deb 15 March 1977 vol 928 cc165-6W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Russian naval vessels entered the waters around the United Kingdom now regarded as British territorial waters during 1976 following the adoption of the 200-mile limit.

Mr. Duffy

United Kingdom fishing limits were extended to 200 miles on 1st January 1977. The breadth of United Kingdom territorial waters remains at three miles. Since 1st January 1976 two Soviet warships have entered United Kingdom territorial waters.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will illustrate the increasing Russian naval activities referred to in paragraph 241 of Command Paper 6735 by enumerating the increase in the relevant number of ship days.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

The total number of Soviet warship days in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean has remained at a relatively constant level in recent years. However, there have been changes and developments in the nature of Soviet activity and the sophistication of their equipment and exercises has increased.

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