§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence how the 16th Parachute Brigade was conveyed to Norway for the recent exercise "Teamwork 76"; and why it did not go by air.
§ Mr. Robert C. Brown16th Parachute Brigade was employed on Exercise "Teamwork 76" as exercise enemy in a ground rôle and was moved to Norway in the main by sea. Available airlift was allocated as a priority to the friendly force elements as required within the setting of the exercise.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many ships of what nationality and type and at what cost were hired to convey the Royal Marines to Norway for recent exercises; and whether they were able to operate helicopters for the landing of the Marines and to carry supplies of ammunition.
§ Mr. DuffyThree commercial ferries of the Norwegian Fred Olsen line were hired to transport Royal Marines and Army personnel to Norway for the NATO "Teamwork" exercise last September. Helicopters and ammunition were transported exclusively by military vessels. It is not the practice to disclose the cost of hiring commercial shipping.