§ Dr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what United States submarines were in the Irish sea during 17 April; and if any reported an incident with the nets of the trawler Laurel;
(2) if a British submarine was involved in an incident on 17 April in the Irish sea with the fishing nets of the trawler Laurel, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonI understand that a United States Navy nuclear submarine was in the vicinity when the280W fishing vessel, Laurel, reported early on Monday 17 April 1989, that she had been towed backwards after a submerged object snagged her nets. When the submarine surfaced, it was found to have sustained superficial damage consistent with involvement in such an incident. The United States authorities are investigating.
No Royal Navy submarine was involved.