§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which countries had armed forces involved in the infantry exercise in Botswana carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998; [72787]
(2) what assessment he has made of the infantry exercise in Botswana carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998; [72785]
(3) what assessment he has made of the benefits of the infantry exercise in Botswana carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [72786]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonExercise DIAMOND CUTTER, which took place in Botswana from 4 February to 20 March 1998, involved B Company 2 PARA and a Company of the Botswana Defence Force. This exercise was designed to enable these personnel to gain extensive36W and realistic training experience by practising their skills and conducting advanced arms training in a demanding environment, over extended lines of communication, and our assessment is that these objectives were achieved.