§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his(a) European and (b) US colleagues regarding military co-operation in the Gulf. [90329]
§ Mr. HoonThe statement by NATO heads of state and government issued on 21 November 2002 at the Prague summit affirmed that "NATO allies stand united in their commitment to take effective action and support the efforts of the UN to ensure full and immediate compliance by Iraq with UNSCR 1441". It is in this context that I have regular contacts with my European and American colleagues. These discussions have covered a wide range of topics, including military cooperation in the Gulf should that be required.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the troops referred to in his oral statement of 7 January 2003,official Report, columns 23–39, will arrive in the Gulf; and what training they will undertake. [90327]
§ Mr. HoonIn my oral statement of 7 January 2003,official Report, column 25, I announced that we plan to deploy amphibious forces including HQ 3 Commando Brigade, 40 Commando Royal Marines and 42 Commando Royal Marines, with all supporting elements, to the Mediterranean with a view to proceeding to the Gulf region if and as required. In accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information it would be inappropriate for me to discuss details of military planning, including timings.
The group will conduct training in the Mediterranean, including force integration and combat enhancement training.