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International Peace Academy (Paper)

Volume 972: debated on Thursday 25 October 1979

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asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has studied the paper, a copy of which has been sent to him, "The Armed Forces as a Cost Effective Instrument of Foreign Policy", by British members of the International Peace Academy; if he supports its general conclusions; and if he will take steps to implement its recommendation for more military aid to the civil power both at home and overseas.

I have read the paper with interest and agree with many of the points made. The Armed Services will continue to respond to requests for appropriate assistance to the civil community, so far as resources and operational commitments allow. For example, the assistance provided by HMS "Fife" made a major contribution to disaster relief in Dominica recently.