HC Deb 18 March 1985 vol 75 cc405-6W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what are the terms of exercise Brave Defender.

Mr. Stanley

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 21 December 1984, at column 375.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence where exercise Brave Defender will take place.

Mr. Stanley

The exercise will take place at a variety of locations throughout Great Britain. Most exercise activity will take place on MOD property, although some use may be made of private land.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the number, and specify the locations, of damage control centres which will be established to assess the compensation claims from the public arising out of operation Brave Defender.

Mr. Stanley

It is not anticipated that the exercise will cause significant damage to private property. Any claims for compensation which do arise will be considered by the Ministry of Defence in the normal manner.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what roles the following groups will play in exercise Brave Defender; the 5th Infantry Brigade, the 5th Airborne Brigade, the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve and the Home Service Force.

Mr. Stanley

The forces referred to will exercise their home defence roles for the protection of vital installations in the UK.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Defence which key points are to be defended as part of exercise Brave Defender.

Mr. Stanley

A representative selection of installations will be chosen as key points for exercise purposes. A final list has yet to be drawn up. The installations used in the exercise will not necessarily be actual key points, information about which is classified.