§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has regarding all the circumstances of the sinking of the FV Inspire on 5 September 1988; what is the result of any inquiry that has been undertaken; whether any Royal Navy submarines or submarines of any NATO country are known to have been in the vicinity at the time; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloThe Inspire foundered off the west coast of Wales on 5 September 1988 with the loss of three lives. A marine surveyor from the Department was appointed to conduct an investigation into the loss. A summary report of his findings is being produced and I will send the hon. Member a copy. I am advised that there were no United Kingdom or NATO country submarines in the vicinity at the time of the casualty.