§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the nuclear weapon exercise Dimming Sun has been postponed; when this exercise is now due to be held; and what costs have been incurred by his Department to date in organising this exercise. [86295]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe decision to postpone the joint UK/US Exercise Dimming Sun was taken in the light of present commitments in the Balkans, including the possibility that civil agencies in Norfolk who will participate in the exercise, might receive refugees from Kosovo. This decision will ensure that key exercise objectives can be met at a later date whilst ensuring that the conduct of the exercise does not interfere with our support to NATO operations in the Balkans. As yet, no new date has been set for the exercise.
As for costs relating to Exercise Dimming Sun, I have nothing to add to my letter of 27 November 1998 to the hon. Member, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.