§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the nature and purpose of the forthcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organisation exercise Sharp Spear; when and where it will take place; and how many ships, submarines, aircraft and personnel will take part.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonSharp Spear 89 is a major NATO maritime exercise which will take place from 7 to 21 September 1989 in the Baltic, Baltic approaches, the North sea, and waters surrounding the British Isles, including the552W Channel. It will demonstrate and improve the ability of NATO maritime forces to conduct shallow seas operations and protect reinforcement and merchant shipping in the waters off north-west Europe. Over 270 ships and submarines and 320 aircraft, and their associated personnel from 10 NATO countries will take part in the exercise.