§ 3. Mr. Mellishasked the Secretary of State for War whether it remains the policy of the Army to abolish the manufacture of heavy tanks and to concentrate on medium tanks.
§ Mr. SoamesYes, Sir.
§ 4. Mr. Mellishasked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made with the development of the new medium tank; and if he will give its approximate weight and speed and its armament.
§ Mr. SoamesThe tank will be ready for development trials towards the end of next year. As this tank is still on the Secret list, I cannot as yet give the other information asked for.
§ Mr. MellishThe right hon. Gentleman will be aware that in 1956 his predecessor decided on a policy of manufacturing a medium tank. Is he now telling us that the trials will not take place until 1959? Why is there such an enormous delay?
§ Mr. SoamesIt was said in 1956 that we intended to manufacture a tank. There will he many novel things about this tank. It takes a great deal of time, thought, care and effort to design a new tank. There will be many radical improvements, and I do not think there has been an overlong delay.
§ Mr. StracheyDoes this mean that both the Centurion and the Conqueror will be discontinued?
§ Mr. SoamesWe are not manufacturing any more Conquerors. We are still making some Centurions, mostly for foreign purchase. The Centurion will remain in service until the new medium tank takes over from it.