HL Deb 02 April 1981 vol 419 c360WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, now that the Soviet naval vessel "Kiev" is recognised as undoubtedly an aircraft carrier, they will discuss with the Government of Turkey and other signatories the repeated passage of this vessel through the straits from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, in breach of the Montreux Convention, which is one of the world's oldest arms control agreements.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade (Lord Trefgarne)

The supervision of the implementation of the Montreux Convention is the responsibility of the Turkish Government. Questions on the application of the convention's provisions are discussed from time to time with the Turkish Government and with other parties to the convention. The British Government's view, that the "Kiev" is an aircraft carrier and that the convention applies to such vessels, is not shared by all our allies.