HC Deb 20 May 1988 vol 133 c611W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he proposes to take to compensate fishermen whose boats and gear are damaged or sunk after being ensnared by submarines at sea.

Mr. Ian Stewart

There is already a well-established procedure by which fishermen may claim compensation when their boats or gear are damaged or sunk by Her Majesty's ships, including submarines. Every incident reported is carefully investigated and compensation is paid where it is shown that the Ministry of Defence is legally liable.