§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence why it is proposed to retain a NATO reinforcement commitment for an air-portable brigade rather than the Parachute Brigade.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe parachute capability which we propose to retain, being more lightly equipped than an air-portable brigade group, would be less well suited to the NATO reinforcement commitment for which the latter will be declared.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Parachute Brigade has at present any operational 266W parachute rôle other than its commitment to NATO.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe Parachute Brigade is available to take part in any operations required by Her Majesty's Government depending on the situation at the time.