HC Deb 27 April 1966 vol 727 cc692-3
33. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what military exercises have been carried out in the United Kingdom recently, and with what kind of operations in view.

Mr. Healey

Six large military exercises have been carried out in the United Kingdom since the beginning of the year. Their object, whether they have been conducted on a single-Service or a three-Service basis or in collaboration with our allies, has been to prepare our forces to meet all probable eventualities. They have therefore been undertaken with a wide variety of possible operations in view.

Mr. Iremonger

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which of our allies were not present at which of these operations, and whether Portugal was present at all?

Mr. Healey

I cannot say that without notice. If the hon. Gentleman puts a Question down, I will answer it.

Mr. Kershaw

In the past, facilities have been made available for hon. Members of this House to attend some of these exercises. Was that done, and will it be done in future?

Mr. Healey

It was done in the case of one or two of them. If the hon. Member believes that we should make more facilities available for attendance at exercises, perhaps he will make his suggestion through the usual channels.