HC Deb 08 November 1977 vol 938 c63W
21. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that there are sufficient aircraft, surface craft and submarines on permanent patrol with a standby watch to protect British oil interests in British territorial waters against all eventualities, short of global nuclear war.

Mr. Duffy

The arrangements for protecting British oil interests offshore include surveillance and deterrent patrols by surface ships and aircraft and there are reaction forces ashore held ready at short notice to react to an incident. I am satisfied with these arrangements.