§ Mr. FormanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to enhance the Army's anti-tank mine capability; and if he will make a statement. [3609]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI have agreed to the procurement of 29 vehicle-launched scatterable mine systems from Alliant Techsystems of the United States, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of a contract. VLSMS will provide the Army with a key capability to lay anti-tank minefields at short notice in support of armoured formations. This decision will result in work equivalent to around half the value of the contract being undertaken by UK firms as part of the industrial participation arrangements of the programme, including work for Alvis, which makes the Stormer carrier vehicle.