§ Mr. Roperasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers from the armed forces of other European member countries of NATO are now studying at staff colleges in the United Kingdom; and how many British officers are now studying in staff colleges, other than the NATO defence college, in other European member countries of NATO.
§ Mr. HayhoeAt present 15 officers from the armed forces of other European members of the North Atlantic Alliance are studying at our Service staff colleges. Ten British officers are currently studying at staff colleges other than the NATO defence college in other European member countries of the Alliance.
§ Mr. Roperasked the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to increase the number of British officers studying in staff colleges of other European members of NATO, and of their officers studying in British staff colleges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeWe attach considerable importance to such exchanges as a means of strengthening military ties and fostering mutual understanding. There are, however, a number of practical constraints which militate against any significant expansion of the current arrangements. There are limits on the number 489W of British officers who can be sent to staff colleges on the Continent because of such factors as manpower shortages and high linguistic requirements. There is also a good deal of competition among other countries for the places available at British staff colleges and, without incurring heavy cost, we could materially increase the allocation only at the expense of our own officers.