§ Mr. David YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people have been killed or injured by the use of the Italian L85 mechanical fuse; when the fuses will be replaced and at what cost; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenThere is no record of any deaths or injuries attributable to the use by British service men of the Italian L85 mechanical fuse. There is a continuing limited operational role for this fuse in training, but its use will gradually reduce as the weapon systems for which it is required are withdrawn from service.
Should a further purchase of this type of fuse be required, this will be open to competition in the usual way. As I announced to the House on 23 November 1993, at column 309-10, we will not award any new contracts to the manufacturer of the L85 fuse, Barletti, until the facts surrounding the Gordon Foxley case have been fully investigated.