Joint Rapid Reaction Force

Mr. Keetch
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government has to undergo a Joint Rapid Reaction Force exercise to demonstrate the capability of medical services; and if he will make a statement. [110555]

Dr. Moonie
Joint Rapid Reaction Forces exercises are designed to practise joint, including medical, capability. Medical personnel took part in Exercise Saif Sareea II in autumn 2001, and in Exercise Joint Venture 02 in May 2002. Medical personnel have also recently demonstrated their capability in operations in Iraq. Several further joint exercises are planned for 2004.