HL Deb 20 March 1984 vol 449 cc1216-8WA
Lord Chelwood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are satisfied that the contingency plans to counter any attempt to interfere with the unimpeded passage of ships through the Hormuz Straits provide for the fullest consultation that time permits between the United States and other NATO countries concerned, and the Gulf Co-operation Council; and whether firing warning shots near vessels or aircraft that have not taken hostile action is agreed policy.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)

We attach importance to freedom of navigation in the Gulf, including passage through the Straits of Hormuz. If this were threatened we would make every possible effort to try and secure a diplomatic solution, in consultation with our allies and the states in the region. Instructions given to forces are a matter for the individual countries concerned. As far as the United Kingdom is concerned our policy in any part of the world is not to disclose such operational details.