HC Deb 31 January 1985 vol 72 cc295-6W
Mr. Evennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the MCV 80 project.

Mr. Butler

I am happy to say that progress on this important project continues to be very satisfactory. Main development of the MCV 80 infantry section vehicle was successfully completed towards the end of last year and the prime contractor, GKN Sankey, is pressing ahead with the development of variant vehicles for the infantry command, repair and recovery, and artillery observation roles. Following the decisions on competitive procurement arrangements, which were announced on 23 January last year, at column 400, by my predecessor, my hon. Friend the member for Chertsey and Walton (Mr. Pattie), tenders have been invited from GKN Sankey and from three other potential manufacturers, and a contract has been placed for long lead items for initial production.