HC Deb 11 February 1986 vol 91 cc765-6
3. Mr. Fatchett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is likely to announce further orders for the Challenger tank; and if will make a statement.

Mr. Norman Lamont

Possible further orders of Challenger are being considered as part of the annual recosting of the defence programme. It is too soon to say whether further orders will be placed.

Mr. Fatchett

Is the Minister aware of the widespread fear in Leeds that, because of the delay in placing further orders, jobs will be lost and the ability to continue to produce the next generation of tanks will be put in jeopardy? Is it not time that the Minister stopped delaying the decision, placed an order, and ensured job security for skilled and other people in Leeds?

Mr. Lamont

The function of the royal ordnance factory must be to supply what the country needs for its defence. The basis of policy cannot simply be to maintain employment. However, I am fully aware of the importance of the Challenger order to the Leeds factory.

Mr. Marlowe

Just as the tank replaced the horse as the main weapon available to the cavalry, is there not a chance that the helicopter may replace the tank?

Mr. Lamont

The needs of different systems and the best way to counter a tank threat from a potential enemy are constantly examined in the new integrated structure within the Ministry of Defence.

Mr. McNamara

Is it not a fact that the Ministry of Defence has said that it wants to increase orders for the Challenger tank, that the Army wants it, and that the mess that the Government have made of the defence budget alone is delaying the placing of the orders?

Mr. Lamont

The Government have already placed orders for six regiments of Challenger, and we intend that further orders should be placed in future. When those orders can be placed will depend on the resources available.

Mr. Meadowcroft

Why does the Minister hide behind the shield of market forces when buying necessary equipment? Does he not understand that timing is crucial for workers in Leeds? Why does he procrastinate over placing an order when it is crucial to the security of jobs in Leeds? Why does he not place the order and get on with it?

Mr. Lamont

I understand the importance for Leeds, but the Government's function is not to maintain capacity merely for the sake of it.