§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Ranger anti-personnel mines his Department possesses; when they were purchased; who they were purchased from; what was the total cost of the order; when they will need to be replaced; and if he will make a statement. [19983]
§ Mr. FreemanThe stocks my Department possesses were purchased from Thorn EMI Electronics Ltd., between 1970 and 1983, but we no longer retain a record of their cost. The quantity of Ranger anti-personnel mines, held by my Department is classified. No decisions have been taken on replacements.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department will establish(a) an engineering study and (b) a cost analysis study of the feasibility of fitting self-destruct mechanisms to his Department's anti-personnel mines. [19984]
§ Mr. FreemanAn engineering and costs analysis study of fitting self-destruct mechanisms to existing mines will take place when my Department next considers its future requirements and the most cost-effective way of meeting those requirements.