§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence with what countries Britain has begun military co-operation under the partnership for peace; with which countries exercises have been held in 1994; what was the experience gained from these exercises; and what co-operation has already been agreed for the rest of this year and 1995.
§ Mr. SoamesThe United Kingdom has undertaken bilateral military co-operation with the majority of signatories to partnership for peace. This bilateral activity is being subsumed into PFP as the partnership work programme is developed.
During 1994, United Kingdom land forces have conducted bilateral peacekeeping exercises with Poland and Hungary, and United Kingdom naval forces participated in a Norwegian—led exercise in the Barents sea. In addition, the United Kingdom has participated in three PFP exercises:
- Co-operative Bridge in Poland, involving 13 nations;
- Co-operative Spirit in Holland involving 12 nations; and
- Co-operative Venture in the Norwegian sea, involving 14 nations.
We are continuing to evaluate the military lessons of these exercises but they will provide useful lessons on the planning and conduct of future exercises in the evolving PFP programme. The 1995 programmes of PFP and bilateral work have yet to be finalised.