HC Deb 02 May 1996 vol 276 cc576-7W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what records his Department holds of the Soviet November class submarine carrying nuclear missiles which sank near Land's End in 1970; what measures his Department has taken to monitor the state of the missiles; what assessment he has made of the risks of radiation escaping from the submarine; and if he will make a statement. [27663]

Mr. Soames

The Soviet November class submarine lost in international waters outside the western approaches, on 12 April 1970, sank in deep water. It is assessed that the risk of radiation escaping from the submarine is minimal, and results from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's monitoring programme have shown no indication of contamination from this accident.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what records his Department maintains of Soviet Union submarines which have sunk off the British coast over the last 30 years. [27662]

Mr. Soames

No Soviet Union submarines have sunk near the British coast.

Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has evaluated about the Soviet November class submarine which sank in the western approaches to the United Kingdom on 12 April 1970; what action he has taken in relation to safety of naval vessels sailing in the vicinity; what representations have been made to the Soviet and Russian authorities in relation to compensation; what further action he proposes to take to protect United Kingdom interests; and if he will make a statement. [26708]

Mr. Soames

[holding answer 25 April 1996]: The Soviet November class submarine lost in international waters outside the western approaches on 12 April 1970 sank in deep water and is not considered to be a hazard to vessels. This tragic loss is not a basis upon which compensation has been sought from Soviet or Russian authorities. It is assessed that the risk of radiation escaping from the submarine is minimal, and results from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food monitoring programme have shown no indication of contamination from this accident.