§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the United States authorities informed his Department of (a) the extent of damage suffered and (b) the nature of repair needed, by the United States submarine Nathanael Green; whether any evaluation was made of the likelihood of the submarine sinking in United Kingdom waters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyUnited States authorities informed my Department that the USS Nathanael Green had suffered limited damage to her external hull plating and rudder. I understand that the nuclear propulsion system was not damaged. There was never any danger of the submarine sinking.
§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will identify the agreement or undertaking with the United States under which approval for use of the Holy Loch facilities by the United States submarine Nathanael Green was given following the recent incident in which it sustained damage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyThe USS Nathanael Green berthed at the Holy Loch under arrangements between the United Kingdom and United States Governments, details of which are confidential between them.
§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Sectretary of State for Defence whether the United States authorities informed his Department of (a) the approximate location and (b) the latitude and longitude of the incident in which the United States ship Nathanael Green was damaged; and if he will publish the information made available to his Department.
§ Mr. StanleyMy Department was provided with information as to the location of the USS Nathanael Green at the time when she was damaged. For reasons of operational security it would not be in the public interest to publish this information.