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Written question asked by John Healey (Labour) on Monday, 24 October 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 October 2022. It was answered by James Heappey (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 November 2022 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Telecommunications Cables: Shetland Islands

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support he has provided to local authorities in the Shetland Islands during their investigation into the damage of undersea cables to the Islands.

Answer

The recent incident in the Shetland Islands was assessed to have been caused by fishing. Accidental breakage of subsea communications cables is not uncommon, particularly through trawling and other seabed-disturbing activities, and mechanisms to repair them are well tested. Assistance to local authorities from the Ministry of Defence has not been requested.

Overall governmental responsibility for subsea power and telecommunications cables lies with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, respectively.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
69502
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Local government Seas and oceans Telecommunications cables Shetland
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk