§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the French Government which resulted in sending a French naval warship to the Dartmouth royal regatta; and what plans he has for informing hon. Members of the proposals. [32597]
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§ Mr. SoamesI understand that a French Navy navigational training ship will be visiting Dartmouth at the time of the Dartmouth royal regatta. This has been arranged through the usual naval channels which apply for visits of ships from other NATO navies. I am pleased to say that, due to changed operational requirements, it will be possible for HMS Orwell, a River class minesweeper which is the Dartmouth navigational training ship, to visit Dartmouth during the royal regatta.