Written question asked by Julian Brazier (Conservative) on Friday, 25 April 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 May 2008. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Piracy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what guidance his Department issues to Royal Navy ships operating in or passing through areas where there is a risk of piracy on (a) intervention in and (b) taking active steps to prevent acts of piracy;

Answer: The Royal Navy provides Commanding Officers with classified policy and legal advice to enable them to fulfil the United Kingdom's obligations under international law, including in particular, the United Nations Conventions on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).The Department for Transport is responsible for providing advice to UK registered ships on piracy and maritime armed robbery. Up until December 2007, the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) produced the World Wide Threat to Shipping which was available via the Royal Navy website. Although this publication has now ceased, the DIS continue to provide assistance to the Department for Transport.

Secondary information