Written question asked by Andrew Welsh (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 26 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 May 2001. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what resources from his Department were put at the disposal of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office during the recent hunt for the MV Etireno.

Answer: Mr. Welsh: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what resources from his Department were put at the disposal of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office during the recent hunt for the MV Etireno. [159860] Mr. Spellar: The Benin Government issued a request for assistance in searching for the MV Etireno on 16 April. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office asked the Ministry of Defence what assets were available. We were able to offer the services of HMS Glasgow, a type 42 destroyer, and RFA Black Rover, a small ship tanker. This response was provided on the same day. The vessels were in the area as part of their patrol programme. Before they could reach the search area, the MV Etireno docked in Cotonou in the early hours of 17 April. We were subsequently informed by the Benin authorities that there was no further requirement for HMS Glasgow and RFA Black Rover.

Secondary information