HC Deb 28 October 1980 vol 991 cc195-6
14. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the results of the Crusader exercise in September; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hayhoe

Yes, exercise Crusader was very successful. Over 30,000 troops were moved from the United Kingdom, including some 20,000 members of the Territorial Army and substantial numbers of the RAF. The Territorial Army turnout was high, and its performance throughout received well-deserved praise. The great majority of reinforcements were in their exercise positions within 48 hours of leaving their bases, demonstrating our ability to reinforce BAOR swiftly and effectively should the need arise. The field training exercise in Germany, in which United States and German forces played a prominent part, tested our operational techniques on a scale previously untried.

Mr. Atkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members on both sides of the House who were fortunate enough to be present to observe part of Crusader were highly impressed by the professional activities of our Armed Forces, especially those of the Territorial Army? Is there any possibility of my hon. Friend's persuading his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to produce a report showing exactly the extent of Crusader and how successful it was?

Mr. Hayhoe

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the well-deserved tribute that he pays. It will take several months before the results of the exercise have been analysed in detail. There is no question but that valuable lessons are being learnt. When the report is compiled in the new year we shall consider how much of it can be presented to the House, within the restrictions of security.

Mr. Duffy

Is the Minister aware that his answer is extraordinarily complacent? The Crusader exercise indicated once again the growing urgency of local and transatlantic reinforcement, supply and reception, and has thus called into question the Secretary of State's priorities, especially those that suggest his growing interest in military deployment beyond the Tropic of Cancer.

Mr. Hayhoe

Labour Members must make up their minds on whether they want more money spent on defence, or less. It is clear that the exercise revealed that we were able to provide reinforcements for Germany within 48 hours. I think that that is a tribute to everyone concerned.