HC Deb 31 May 1961 vol 641 cc228-9
4. Mr. Slater

asked the Secretary of State for War what manoeuvres are being held in Western Germany involving co-ordinated activities at divisional strength during 1961.

25. Mr. Prentice

asked the Secretary of State for War how many major exercises in the British Army of the Rhine's training programme this year will be based on the assumption that only conventional weapons are used.

Mr. Profumo

One major exercise is to be held in Germany in October. It will involve all three British divisions, and will take into account both conventional and nuclear warfare.

Mr. Prentice

Does that mean that this year, as last year, there will be no major exercise on brigade level or higher level in which the assumption is made that only conventional weapons are used? If this type of training programme is followed year by year, does it not tend to contradict the statement made about the strategy of our forces which is said to involve dealing with certain types of situations by conventional weapons only?

Mr. Profumo

I do not think so. Assuming the use of nuclear weapons at some stage must involve the full exercise of conventional types of weapons as well, but not necessarily vice versa.

Mr. Mayhew

How many of our brigade groups are trained and organised so as to be able to operate independently of nuclear weapons?

Mr. Profumo

They are all able to operate for the purposes for which they are attached under the command of N.A.T.O. This exercise will take place partially for nuclear and partially for conventional purposes which, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence told the House in February, is in exact accordance with the doctrine of SACEUR.