§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have held any discussions on the desirability of subordinating British defence capabilities to those of the United States; and if so, with whom.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe):No. We retain overall direction of UK forces. However, we may agree from time to time to relinquish operational command or control of elements of those forces under arrangements to which we have agreed for the conduct of alliance or other multinational coalition operations. Such arrangements are regularly rehearsed in exercises such as the bilateral exercise Purple Star. to he held with the United States in April and May this year, during which British units will be subordinated for exercise purposes to US commanders, and vice versa.