HC Deb 06 February 1996 vol 271 c168W
Mr. Hardy

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what alternative to HMS Fearless will take part in Exercise Purple Star. [13115]

Mr. Soames

HMS Fearless remains scheduled to return to operational duties in good time to allow her to take part in Exercise Purple Star.

Mr. Hardy

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the planned Exercise Purple Star, scheduled for May 1996, can proceed as envisaged; and if the condition of HMS Fearless has had any significant effect on the preparation of this exercise. [13116]

Mr. Soames

Exercise Purple Star will go ahead as planned, although our contribution has been adjusted slightly to take account of our involvement with the NATO implementation force in the former Yugoslavia. The condition of HMS Fearless, and her current maintenance programme, has had no significant effect upon the preparation of this exercise.