§ 7. Mr. Ramsdenasked the Secretary of State for Defence why Vigilant has been withdrawn from infantry battalions in the British Army of the Rhine; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. James Boyden)Vigilant was introduced to assess the suitability of a medium range anti-tank guided weapon portable by its crew. Its range fell short of the requirement for mechanised operations. However it is adequate for other operations and is therefore being used in non-mechanised battalions outside B.A.O.R. The exception is one battalion in B.A.O.R. which will continue to develop techniques there until a weapon with a longer range than Vigilant becomes available.
§ Mr. RamsdenIn view of what the hon. Gentleman said about deficiencies in range, is the Vigilant still being used mounted on the Ferrets, as announced in the 1967 White Paper? Can he assure us that the infantry battalions in B.A.O.R. from which it has been withdrawn will get the improved type of Mobat, the Conbat?
§ Mr. BoydenYes. On the second part of that question, there are likely to be developments, but there has been no decision whether to improve Vigilant, develop Swingfire or adopt a French system.