§ 2. Sir Richard Glynasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any further information to give about progress on the Chieftain tank.
§ Mr. ProfumoIn my speech on the Army Estimates on 8th March, I explained that the Chieftain tank is having some teething troubles. During trials with the engine running at full power the gearbox became overheated. The cause of the overheating is known, and modifications are now being tested; these will put production back by about six months. I much regret this delay, but I am confident that the trouble will be overcome.
§ Sir Richard GlynCan my right hon. Friend say whether the tank will be entirely satisfactory at the end of this time? Can he, further, say whether any oversea s orders for it have been cancelled?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am very hopeful that the tank will be, as we thought it would, a great success when it comes out of these trials. I confirm that so far no overseas orders have been cancelled. We have told the Federal German Republic that delivery of the prototype will be delayed by these development troubles.
§ Mr. PagetThis is most interesting. Will the Secretary of State tell us what overseas orders there are?
§ Mr. ProfumoThe overseas order which we at present have is from the Federal German Republic; but this has not been affected by what I have just announced.
§ Mr. ProfumoYes, but this is an overseas order and it has not been affected. Perhaps the hon. and learned Member will realise that this tank looks like being a world beater. I hope that he will not cast aspersions on it, because there may well be other inquiries.