§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he has made to ensure that British vessels do not sail within Soviet territorial waters without authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe commanding officers of Royal Navy vessels are, of course, made fully aware of our obligations under international law and are issued with such other instructions as are considered appropriate for the areas to which they may be deployed. The details of such instructions are classified.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his NATO allies to ensure that none of the member states' vessels sail within Soviet territorial waters without authority; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian StewartMy right hon. Friend regularly has discussions with his NATO colleagues on a wide range of defence matters of mutual interest. It is not our general practice to disclose the details of such discussions.