Soviet Research Vessels

HC Deb 14 June 1991 vol 192 c728W

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what general information he has on the technical capabilities of the Soviet research vessel Akademik Boris Petrov in British waters.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

We understand that this vessel is equipped for the detection of radioactivity levels.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what security considerations apply to visits by Soviet research vessels to British waters.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Each application is considered on its merits in relation to the proposed programme of research and the nature of our security interests in the area concerned.

Mr. O'Neill

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with his Soviet counterpart regarding the visit of the Soviet research vessel Akademik Boris Petrov to British waters.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

None. An application was received from the Soviet embassy and dealt with by this Department in the normal way.