HC Deb 15 November 1982 vol 32 cc41-2W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many requisitioned civilian vessels have been damaged in the South Atlantic since the cessation of hostilities; from what cause; and at what cost.

Mr. Blaker

The tug "Irishman" suffered damage on 16 September. The cause of the damage has not been finally established. She is now back in the United Kingdom, but the extent of the necessary repairs, and so their cost, have yet to be identified. Another tug, "Yorkshireman", was involved in a minor collision with another vessel on 21 August. She has now been repaired but we have not yet received a statement of the costs. A number of lesser incidents have also been reported. Further details could not be provided except at disproportionate expense.