§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment of British interests underlay his invitation to members of the Japanese armed forces to train in the United Kingdom; how many personnel will be involved; at what cost to British public funds; what representations he has received in respect of this matter; what have been the nature of such representations; and if he will make a statement. [8575]
§ Mr. PortilloI issued no such invitation. However, I expect that small numbers of Japanese officers will continue to receive training in Britain as they have since 1977. My Department has received a small number of representations from members of the public, expressing general concern about defence relations with Japan.