§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on operation Dimming Sun; how much it cost to host; where and when it took place; which countries' participants came, what scenario was tested; and if he will(a) post on the departmental web site and (b) place in the Library a copy of the final report of the exercise. [122278]
§ Mr. IngramExercise Dimming Sun 03 was a joint UK/US Grade A defence nuclear accident response exercise. It is not possible to disaggregate the costs of the exercise as the majority lie where they fall, and are not charged specifically to an exercise budget as participants are carrying out duties to which they are already assigned in their command structure. The exercise took place in Norfolk over the period 16 to 20 June 2003, and was co-sponsored by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence and the United States Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Exercise play was also conducted at the MOD Headquarters Nuclear Accident Response Organisation in London, the US Embassy in London and by US Government officials in Washington. The exercise scenario simulated the crash in Norfolk of a US Air Force aircraft, carrying a cargo of unarmed nuclear weapons. UK and US units participated in the exercise and responded to the incident, as well as other Government Departments, agencies, civil emergency services and local authorities. A copy of the All Agency Report on this exercise will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as it is completed. It will not be posted on the Departmental web site.