Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 23 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 April 2012. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 30 April 2012 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Netherlands: Armed Forces

Question: (3) what co-operation there is between the Royal Marines and the Netherlands Marine Corps on (a) operations, (b) logistics, (c) materials and (d) procurement.

Answer: Since 1973, there has been and continues to be close co-operation between the Royal Marines (RM) and the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNLMC) operating together regularly and sharing resources in joint exercises. These include the NATO Exercise Cold Response 2012 in Norway, Exercise Caribbean Anchor 2011 in the Dutch Antilles, and current exercise planning includes Norway and Joint Warrior 13-1 in 2013. Additionally there is an arrangement in place for RNLMC personnel to undertake various courses at the Commando Training Centre RM, Lympstone. The RNLMC and RM also utilise similar equipment, for example the Viking Protected mobility troop carrier and Bowman communications and this supports interoperability.Royal Netherlands Marine Corps exchange officers have deployed on two occasions with 3 Commando Brigade to Op Herrick and once to the EU Battle Group Operational Headquarters on Op Atalanta in the last 10 years.It is the long-standing policy of the Government that we do not comment on UK special forces, unless in exceptional circumstances.

Secondary information