§ 2. Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what lessons have been learned in the Gulf with regard to the relative merits of tanks and helicopters as tankbusters.
§ The Minister of State for Defence Procurement (Mr. Alan Clark)We are considering the outcome of the campaign and the lessons to be drawn from it, but it is too early to set out definitive conclusions.
§ Mr. MarlowHad my hon. Friend been a tank commander in the Gulf, and if he could use his considerable imagination to visualise circumstances whereby, as in any future war, the enemy might have had more overhead cover and concealment, would he have been more fearful of an enemy in Apache. helicopters or in Challenger tanks?
§ Mr. ClarkBoth those arms are essential in the pattern of deployment in the future. There are two teams in the Ministry of Defence studying all the lessons. I have little doubt that they will conclude that both helicopters and battle tanks are needed in any future deployment.
§ Mr. RogersNotwithstanding the relative merits of tanks and helicopters, they are not much use unless they are procured. Does the Minister intend to buy new tanks off the shelf, or will he stop dithering and place an order for the new Challenger and the EH 101?
§ Mr. ClarkAs for the main battle tank, I share the House's devotion to the subject and I hope that the decision will not be delayed too long. The EH101 has nothing to do with the land battle—as the hon. Gentleman's researcher might have told him, it is a naval weapon.