§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his Department's vessels which will take part in the sea exercise Purple Star with the American navy, when the exercise will take place, and if he will make a statement. [17763]
§ Mr. SoamesExercise Purple Star will take place, with the United States Navy, off the eastern seaboard of the United States from late April to mid-May. It is not our normal practice to give details in advance of the composition of groups of ships taking part in exercises. The UK will, however, be making a sizeable contribution in terms of ships, aircraft and personnel.