§ 4. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation naval exercise which is to take place in the Atlantic this year.
§ Lord BalnielIn September NATO will mount a major land, sea and air exercise called "Strong Express", designed to test and develop NATO capabilities for rapid reaction and reinforcement to strengthen the alliance's defensive posture in time of emergency.
§ Mr. AllaunIs not this the biggest naval exercise ever held by NATO? Is it merely untimely or is it deliberately calculated to prejudice the mutual balanced force reductions which we hope will result from the East-West security conference?
§ Lord BalnielIt is certainly an important and major NATO exercise. NATO is a defensive alliance and it has played its part, as it will continue to play its part, to achieve a relaxation of tension in Europe. I am sure, however, that the hon. Member will agree that détente will not be obtained or maintained by the military balance unless we have an adequate defence in NATO and it is to test the defence of NATO that the exercise is being undertaken.
§ Mr. WilkinsonCan my right hon. Friend tell me whether the recent dispatch of marine commandos to Ulster will affect the current exercise commitments of the alliance this summer?
§ Lord BalnielNo, the planned deployment of commandos is for a short time.