HC Deb 27 March 1996 vol 274 cc633-4W
Mr. Spellar

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the contract for 81 mm mortar ammunition. [22541]

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to place an order to supply the Army with 81 mm mortar ammunition; and if he will make a statement. [22977]

Mr. Arbuthnot

There are three separate tenders for 81 mm ammunition in progress. The high explosive and illuminating rounds are subject to competitive tendering and a non-competitive contract for the smoke round is presently being negotiated with Royal Ordnance. I expect the three contracts to be in place by the end of April.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was his Department's total expenditure on explosives, propellants, and related ammunition and products over the last five years; and what proportion of this was procured from(a) Royal Ordnance and (b) overseas sources. [22589]

Mr. Arbuthnot

I will write to the hon. Member.