§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the size, nature, extent and purpose of the NATO 331W exercise to be held in the Firth of Clyde in August and September; what consultation is taking place with fishing, recreational, industrial and other interests; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian StewartI assume that the hon. Member is referring to Exercise Teamwork 88, a major NATO maritime exercise to be held later this year in the Atlantic and Norwegian sea areas.
Detailed plans for associated exercise activity in the Clyde are not yet finalised, but it is expected that some ships will depart from the Clyde. There will probably be some exercise mine-laying activity in the area, and, as part of the routine planning process, mine-laying areas have been discussed and agreed with representatives of fishermen who work the area. A local area warning message about the exercise mine-laying activity will also be issued well in advance of the exercise, in accordance with our normal procedures.