VOL 5 DATE 4/6/81
195
1980-16.
1981 (to date)-38. Information on warnings is not readily available; I shall V to my hon. Friend. As prosecutions are initiated by Fisheries Department, information on fines is a matter or my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Hong Kong
Mr. Speed asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the number of lives saved and illegal immigrants intercepted by Royal Naval and Royal Marine forces in Hong Kong waters over the past two years.
Mr. Blaker: Since January 1979 the Royal Navy and Royal Marine forces in Hong Kong have intercepted approximately 24,400 illegal immigrants. Many illegal immigrants have been picked up whilst swimming or on unseaworthy craft; it is not possible to determine how many of these might otherwise have drowned and hence how many lives have been saved.
Belize Guardship
Mr. Speed asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the number of miles steamed, emergencies of all kinds responded to and number of lives saved by the Royal Navy Belize guardship and its Royal Fleet A con 417 support over the past two years.
Mr. Blaker: Over the past two years Belize guards duty has involved Her Majesty's ships and RFA steaming about 325,000 miles. On three occasions the.
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service in submarines. At the moment some 55 per cent. (60
of ratings joining the submarine service are in this category. Wastage in the submarine service is low and it is noteworthy that only some 2 per cent. of ratings do not volunteer for a further tour in submarines on completion of their minimum period of five years service.
Procurement Statistics
Mr. Speed asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the reduction or cancellation in planned procurement for equipment, stores and fuel for each of the services over the past 12 months.
Mr. Pattie: For the main adjustments to equipment programmes I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 20 January 1981-[Vol. 997, c. 149-51.] In addition, the House was told on 14 July 1980-[Vol. 988, c. 420-21]-of the discontinuation of the programme for the future main battle tank MBT 80. The Statement on the Defence Estimates 1981 [Cmnd. 8212-1] reported the deferment of a planned order for new landing craft. It has also been decided not to proceed with the full development of the advanced anti-armour weapon mentioned at paragraph 616d of SDE 81, although the requirement for this weapon remains.
maining Programries, Exercises and Overseas Visits HKM. Speed asked the Secretary of State for Defence if WRT list the Houct in or cancellation of planned training programmes, exercises and overseas visits for Each MIN services over the past 12 months.
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