Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the reporting by HMS Montrose of North Korea's evasion of sanctions, whether he plans to increase the number of patrols in the East China Sea.

Through the deployment of HMS SUTHERLAND, HMS ALBION, HMS ARGYLL and HMS MONTROSE over the past year, the Royal Navy has helped lead the enforcement of UN sanctions on North Korea's illegal nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council we are committed to ensuring that all UN sanctions are fully implemented. Until North Korea's nuclear programmes are dismantled, these sanctions will remain and the Royal Navy will continue to play a full role in enforcement as under our UN obligations.