§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the purpose of the infantry exercise in Botswana between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998; and which units took part. [72202]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonOne joint infantry exercise, Exercise Diamond Cutter, took place in Botswana from 4 February to 12 March 1998. The purpose of the exercise was to provide company level dry and live firing training in a rugged environment, over extended lines of communication. B Company 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment participated on the UK side.