§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the new helmets issued to troops in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe two types of helmets which have been on general issue to troops in Northern Ireland for several years are the general service steel helmet Mk 4 for fragmentation protection, and the anti-riot helmet for protection during mobile operations and riot situations. A new general service combat helmet, made of glass reinforced plastic and offering improved protection and increased comfort and stability, is currently under development. Prototypes of this helmet have recently been issued to units in Northern Ireland on a limited basis for evaluation.