§ Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the sale of 800 Chieftain tanks to Iran.
§ Mr. William Rodgers:It is not our normal practice to disclose the details of 89W individual arms deals with other Governments, but I can confirm that we are making good progress with this sale.
§ Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the current performance of the engine of the Chieftan tank; and if he will make a statement on the development of this engine.
§ Mr. William Rodgers:On the whole, yes. I think we have now overcome the difficult problems that inevitably arise with a new kind of engine.