24. Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British merchant vessels were chartered by Her Majesty's Government for Operation Purple Star; and if he will make a statement. [4333]
§ Mr. SoamesBritish registered merchant vessels were chartered by my Department to take part in Operation Purple Star.
Only one British registered merchant vessel was offered. This was declined as it did not meet the requirement, being too small and slow for the task.