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Ministry of Defence

Answer

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.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

26708; 276 c577W

Session

1995-96

Subjects

Compensation Accidents Environment protection Pollution Radioactive waste Nuclear power Shipping Seas and oceans USSR Nuclear submarines