Question: (2) how many battle group and above formation training exercises were cancelled in each of the last four years; and where each was due to take place.

Answering Department: Ministry of Defence

Member Answering Question: Ingram, Adam

Answer: [holding answers 25 January 2007]: All arms training continues to be maintained at a level sufficient to ensure that our troops are fully equipped to deal with the exigencies of life in theatre. The Army plans its training activities and exercises many years in advance. Changes in circumstances, including those arising from operational commitments, will always mean that a few exercises have to be postponed or cancelled. All units deploying on operations receive the training necessary to complete the tasks required of them, including combined arms training at Battlegroup and Brigade level.The number of Battlegroup and above formation exercises cancelled in each of the last four years and where each was due to take place are shown in the following tables.

2003-04

Number of exercises Level of exercise Location of exercise

2 Battlegroup Canada

2 Battlegroup United Kingdom

2 Battlegroup Kenya

1 Formation Poland

2004-05

Number of exercises Level of exercise Location of exercise

2 Battlegroup Canada

1 Battlegroup Kenya

1 Battlegroup United Kingdom

2005-06

Number of exercises Level of exercise Location of exercise

3 Battlegroup Canada

1 Battlegroup Kenya

2006-07

Number of exercises Level of exercise Location of exercise

2 Battlegroup Canada

2 Battlegroup Kenya

1 Formation Canada