§ 25. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for Defence what naval training facilities are currently being provided by this country to other European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
§ Mr. ReynoldsLast year over 600 personnel from European N.A.T.O. 457 countries underwent training in United Kingdom Naval Establishments, and work up and other ship training was provided at Portland and Londonderry.
§ Mr. MayhewIs my hon. Friend aware that these naval training facilities have an extremely high reputation in Western Europe? Would he consider expanding them, which might make a contribution to our wider European policies?
§ Mr. ReynoldsThe main limitation is the amount of facilities available for our own personnel. To a large extent, that governs the amount which we can make available to other countries. We are only too pleased to help when we can, but there are limiting factors of space and other considerations.