HL Deb 02 February 1978 vol 388 c916WA
Lord KENNET

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Within what distance of the shores of the Soviet Union, and how often, has the Royal Navy conducted any exercises during the last 10 years.

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

The United Kingdom position on exercises is that all nations have the freedom of the high seas, including the freedom to conduct exercises outside territorial waters. As regards the enjoyment of this freedom near the Soviet Union during the last 10 years, comprehensive records are not readily available but in 1977 the Royal Navy participated in two exercises in the Baltic Sea.