§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about damage done to British ships in the Iran-Iraq war; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonSince the beginning of the conflict two British-registered vessels have been damaged in air attacks in the Gulf.
On 10 July 1984 an Iranian helicopter attack on the MV British Renown slightly damaged the starboard tank. Fortunately there were no casualties.
On 23 September 1986 the MV Pawnee was attacked by an Iranian helicopter. An unexploded missile lodged in the engine room causing slight damage. Again, there were no casualties.
We condemn all unprovoked attacks on innocent, unarmed merchant vessels, and we have repeatedly called on both sides to refrain from further attacks.