§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many vessels registered in the United Kingdom have entered the Persian Gulf since air attacks on shipping began; how many have been subjected to such attacks; what steps he is taking to protect British seamen; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyMy Department does not keep records of movements of United Kingdom shipping, but, on the data available, we believe that United Kingdom-registered merchant vessels have made about 70 visits to the Gulf since the beginning of February. None of these vessels has been subject to air attack while in the Gulf. The Charming, a Channel Isles registered ship flying the British flag, was attacked on 1 March.
The Government have, since the beginning of hostilities between Iraq and Iran, watched the situation closely. I have no powers to protect British ships or seamen, but I have issued advice through the General Council of British Shipping to British shipowners. Most recently I informed the House on 24 May, at column 459, that my latest advice was:
The Iran/Iraq conflict continues to present a threat to shipping. A Panamanian vessel was sunk on 19 May following an attack which took place near Kharg Island. The obviously underlines the heightened risks involved in operating in the Gulf. These risks are likely to persist. The Government therefore advises masters and owners to pay particular attention to this development before deciding to send their vessels into this area.