HC Deb 29 January 1985 vol 72 cc139-40
5. Mr. McWilliam

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning FH70 ammunition procurement.

Mr. Butler

Deliveries of FH70 ammunition began in 1978 and procurement of certain kinds is continuing. The allocation of work on the FH70 programme is governed by a memorandum of understanding agreed by the participants to the programme.

Mr. McWilliam

Is it not a matter of some concern that the FH70 ammunition, which was due from Germany at the beginning of December, appears not yet to be available to us? It is three months late.

Mr. Butler

There have been some delays, due to problems in the Defence Procurement Executive of the German Government, but that does not alter the position with regard to the placing of the order. Much as I would have liked it to go to the royal ordnance factories, it was out of the question that it should do so under the terms of our understanding.

Mrs. McCurley

In the light of my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. McWilliam), can he tell us whether the final cost of the contract for the FH70, which has gone to Germany, will be more than it would have been had the contract been carried out in this country?

Mr. Butler

I understand that the prices are competitive in this matter.

Mr. McNamara

As the ammunition is used in the main battlefield Howitzer, will the Minister of State give an undertaking that it is not the intention now or in the future to adapt the Howitzer to take either nuclear warheads or the enhanced radiation weapons?

Mr. Butler

I can give the hon. Gentleman a categorical no. If I am mistaken, I shall let him know.

Mr. Merchant

In regard to the FH70 order, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the excellent record and delivery times furnished by the royal ordance factory at Birtley for previous FH70 orders and compare these with the apparent unreliability of the German source?

Mr. Butler

I have explained that the delays which have occurred in regard to the project have been within the Defence Procurement Executive, not, so far as I am aware, within German industry. Nevertheless, I am prepared to pay tribute to the royal ordance factory in the way that my hon. Friend would like.