§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what surface and submarine vessels will be involved in Exercise Cockfight in the firth of Clyde later this month; what is the total duration of the exercise; what will be the extent of submarine activity and during which periods; what representations he has received expressing concern at the dangers to fishing activity in the area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonOne Royal Navy and one Royal Netherlands Navy submarine, together with HMS Brave, His Belgian Majesty's naval ship Wielingen, HMS Sentinel and support craft of the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service are taking part in the inshore phase of Exercise Cockfight, which lasts from 23 to 28 November. During this period, both submarines will conduct dived operations in the Firth of Clyde on each day. The Clyde fishermen's associations have been given full details of planned submarine movements, which will also be notified under the subfacts arrangements. Representations on this exercise have been received from a number of hon. Members, representatives of Scottish fishing interests and others.