§ Dame Joan Vickersasked the Secretary of State for Defence why the Royal Marine Commandos left for Operation Clockwork without the necessary equipment of food, ammunition, helicopters, assault craft and transport vehicles.
§ Dr. David OwenI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Roebuck) on 22nd January.—[Vol. 794, c.182.]
§ Dame Joan Vickersasked the Secretary of State for Defence why it was necessary to employ a Norwegian freighter to transport equipment for the Royal Marine Commandos; and why this freighter did not get the equipment to Norway at the time of landing of the Commandos for the Norwegian exercise.
§ Dr. David OwenOn the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Roebuck) on 22nd January. As it was not expected that the heavy equipment would be greatly delayed it was decided to go ahead with the trooping arrangements, and, as envisaged, useful ski and snow training has been possible. — [Vol. 794, c.182.]