British Army of the Rhine

HC Deb 25 May 1982 vol 24 cc303-4W

28. Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take further steps to increase the potential fighting capability of the British Army of the Rhine.

Mr. Wiggin

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Mr. Trotter) on 23 March when I listed the major improvements to 1(BR) Corps' fighting capability since this Government took office.—[Vol. 20, c.787.] The progressive implementation of the re-equipment programme outlined in Cmnd. 8288 will result in further improvements in front-line equipment, stock levels and staying power. We shall continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that 1(BR) Corps' fighting capability remains commensurate with the threat.