§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the trends in the availability of Warrior vehicles, Challenger tanks and the multiple-launch rocket system, as indicated by the Army's battlefield equipment reliability returns, have improved over the past three years; and if he will make a statement. [34460]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe battlefield equipment reliability return system was introduced during 1994 and BERR data are not therefore available for the whole period. However, the figures obtained from Army equipment availability reporting systems indicate that availability rates for Warrior and Challenger 1 have improved considerably over the past three years. Both these vehicles have consistently achieved availability rates in excess of 90 per cent. when deployed to Bosnia. The multiple launch rocket system fleet was undergoing a major base modification programme during 1994–95, which meant that availability rates for this equipment fell. Although two of the three MLRS regiments have undertaken operational tours in Northern Ireland during 1994–95, there has been a slight improvement in MLRS availability over the last year.