§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Defence what requests have been received for British forces to fill the gap left by the Canadian decision to withdraw the CAST brigade from the reinforcement of northern Norway.
§ Mr. Ian StewartNo request has been made for British forces to assume this role. The Canadian proposal to withdraw the CAST brigade from its role in the reinforcement of northern Norway is presently the subject of assessment by NATO military authorities, in accordance with normal procedures. The United Kingdom already makes a significant contribution to the defence of northern Norway and will, along with allies, give careful consideration to the NMA's assessment.