§ Lord Kennet asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What is their view of the maritime traffic rules in the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles established recently by the Turkish Government, and whether British ships should act in accordance with them.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe sympathise with Turkish concerns over maritime safety in the straits. We are studying the new Turkish regulations in the light of the relevant rules of international law, including the Montreaux Convention, and consulting with other interested parties.
The regulations are not due to come into force until July 1994. The International Maritime Organisation will discuss related Turkish proposals in May.
It is too early to say how British vessels should act.