§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about an incident involving a fishing vessel Scotia and a Royal Naval submarine off Stornoway on 13 November; what action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonAt 2156 hours on Monday 13 November, some 8.5 nm east south east of the Butt of Lewis, the fishing vessel Scotia was towed astern for a short distance by a Royal Navy submarine, which was on exercise in the area and which had snagged the fishing vessel's gear. The submarine, on becoming aware of the incident, conducted a full visual search to confirm that neither the fishing vessel involved nor any other vessel in the area was in any difficulty, then proceeded with her exercise. The circumstances of the incident are being investigated.