HC Deb 30 January 2003 vol 398 cc984-5W
Mr. Don Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many incidents of(a) terrorist activity and (b) suspected terrorist activity were recorded by (i) the Marine Accident Investigation Branch Transport Police and (ii) other organisations relating to marine and port activities, in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [93243]

Mr. Jamieson

No incidents of terrorist activity targeted against ports in the UK have been recorded since 1997. Similarly, in the same period, we have no record of any incidents of suspected terrorist activity targeted against UK ports or the ships serving them. However, the hon.Member will recall the successful boarding of the MV Nisha on 21December 2001 in response to a potential terrorist threat. Our suspicions proved on that occasion to be unfounded, as the ship was wholly innocent.