§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 1998,Official Report, column 396, what was the operational role being performed by HMS 'Cornwall', on each of the dates listed; and if any Sandline-operated helicopters landed on HMS 'Cornwall' on any of those dates. [44892]
§ Mr. George RobertsonI refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 20 May 1998,Official Report, column 396, as regards the operational role of HMS Cornwall while deployed off West Africa. However, I assume the right hon. Member seeks information about specific activities by the ship. On the days in question HMS Cornwall:
23 February 1998—rendezvoused with HMS Monmouth for handover of West Africa duties at 1200A and to replenish stores from the accompanying RFA Orangeleaf;25–27 February 1998—was alongside in Conakry, Guinea for maintenance and direct liaison on Sierra Leone issues with British High Commission personnel;28 February-20 March 1998—after replenishment at sea from RFA Orangeleaf, passage to Freetown, Sierra Leone from whence direct humanitarian assistance was provided to local organisations and people.23–27 April 1998—passage from Nouadhibou, Mauritania, arriving Conakry, Guinea 24 April for informal visit including official reception.No Sandline-operated helicopters landed on HMS Cornwall during any of these days, or at any other time.