HC Deb 01 February 1979 vol 961 c564W
Mr. Jim Spicer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if on any exercise held in 1978 parachuting has taken place from aircraft flying in close formation.

Mr. Wellbeloved

No. There have, however, been a number of exercises to maintain our current parachute capability which was described in my answer of 8 June 1978—[Official Report, Vol. 951 c. 250.]

Mr. Jim Spicer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the NATO countries which still retain the necessary skills needed to parachute troops and equipment from aircraft flying in close formation.

Mr. Wellbeloved

A number of NATO nations maintain a parachute capability, but the information in the form requested is not available.