HC Deb 14 November 1988 vol 140 c413W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received about the sinking of surface vessels after interference by submarines.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Letters have been received from fishermen's organisations and from other interested groups and individuals about a number of sinkings in which submarines are alleged to have been involved.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if an internal inquiry has been conducted in any previous instances of complaints of the sinking of surface vessels following interference by a submarine.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Royal Navy investigates all such reports.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will order a review of operational instructions given to submarine commanders regarding conduct after the sinking of a surface vessel through interference by a submarine;

(2) if he will order a review of the operational instructions given to submarine commanders with the aim of minimising the danger to fishing vessels from submarines.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

No. I am satisfied both with the training which submarine commanding officers receive in the avoidance of surface ships of all kinds, including fishing boats and their gear, and that commanding officers are aware of the procedures to be followed should a collision nonetheless occur.