§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the mines have not been recovered from the medium mine field in the sound of Jura; what arrangements have been made to pay compensation to fishing vessel owners and crews in the event of gear being fouled and damaged by such mines; and if he will make a statement. [24180]
§ Mr. SoamesThe practice mines which were laid in the sound of Jura, all of which are inert, could not be recovered as planned because the special clearance vessel which was to have carried out the task had to be diverted to look for the wreckage of a crashed Tornado. This had to be recovered as soon as possible to assist a board of inquiry. The mine clearance operation has, however, now been undertaken.
In the event of gear being fouled and damaged by practice mines, any claims should be submitted to my Department in the usual way through the local Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency fisheries officer.