HC Deb 17 February 1986 vol 92 cc58-9W
Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what role the Royal Navy is adopting in the RIMPAC naval exercise; and if this will involve participation in the shelling of Kaho'olawe.

Mr. Norman Lamont

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces informed the House on 4 February 1986, at column122, this exercise is sponsored by the United States navy and the release of public information about it is a matter for the USN.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the Royal Navy will be involved in continuing participation in other RIMPAC naval exercises.

Mr. Norman Lamont

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces informed the House on 4 February 1986, at column 122, Exercise RIMPAC is sponsored by the United States navy, and invitations to participate in future RIMPAC naval exercises are a matter for the USN.

Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when each of the Royal Navy warships participating in RIMPAC will be departing; and from which ports.

Mr. Norman Lamont

As my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces informed the House on 4 February 1986, at column122, the Royal Navy surface warships taking part in Exercise RIMPAC are planned to be Her Majesty's ships, Illustrious, Beaver, Manchester, and Amazon, which are due to leave Portsmouth and Devonport early in April on the first leg of the Royal Navy task group deployment to the north Pacific, far east, Australasia and Indian ocean areas.