§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the sinking of the Irish trawler "Sharelga" by one of Her Majesty's submarines, indicating the circumstances in which the incident occurred, the type of submarine involved, why the submarine failed to surface and look for survivors and why Her Majesty's Government made no statement at the time about the incident.
§ Mr. BlakerA British submarine was involved in the incident on 18 April in which the Irish trawler "Sharelga" sank some 30 miles off the Irish coast. The commanding officer was unaware at the time that the incident had occurred. The Irish authorities were informed once it was clear that a British submarine was involved and they were assured that the Ministry of Defence will meet all fair and reasonable claims.