§ 23. Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what priority he attaches to joint and combined exercises; and if he will make a statement. [30906]
§ Mr. SoamesI attach the very highest priority to both joint and combined exercises. We have recently completed the highly successful exercise, Purple Star, with the Americans, which saw a major amphibious landing and the largest parachute drop since the second world war. Key elements of the joint rapid deployment force, which becomes operational on 1 August this year, were involved including three Commando Brigade and five Airborne Brigade, an aircraft carrier and amphibious group as well as RAF front line and supporting aircraft. Responsibility for planning and conducting joint and combined exercises now rests with the new permanent joint headquarters at Northwood, which has been formed as a centre of excellence in preparing for and executing joint operations.