§ 8. Mr. Woodallasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the arrangements for joint field exercises between Her Majesty's Royal Marines and the Royal Netherlands Marines.
§ Mr. DuffyYes, Sir. The continuing close co-operation between the two marine corps is of a very high order.
§ Mr. WoodallI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that I visited such a joint exercise in Norway last February? Have any such joint exercises been held since, and will there be a similar exercise in Norway in the new year? Finally, is my hon. Friend aware of the very high reputation for efficiency which Her Majesty's Royal Marines have built with their NATO comrades?
§ Mr. DuffyYes, Sir, I was aware of my hon. Friend's visit and equally aware of how much it was appreciated. I know also of the companionship of the hon. Member for Harrogate (Mr. Banks) which he enjoyed on that occasion. I am glad to be able to say that there have been such joint exercises since, notably on Salisbury Plain, in November. The Royal Marines Reserve trained with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps in Holland in November. I was glad to be able to observe part of the exercise myself, and, 1106 like my hon. Friend, I was most impressed by the very close co-operation that existed between the two forces and the very high standard that, as always, they achieved.
§ Mr. WallDoes the Minister agree that this very close co-operation between the two marine corps is an example to the rest of NATO, and will he try to see that it is extended?
§ Mr. DuffyIndeed, I see it as a model for NATO. I hope that it will be broadened, built upon and made to grow and develop in the years to come.