§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans to order a new tank for the Army. [18801]
357W
§ Dr. MoonieWe are not currently planning to order a new tank for the Army. Deliveries of the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (CR2) have only recently been completed. The CR2 provides an excellent capability, ensuring that British forces will continue to be properly equipped to conduct high intensity warfare for many years to come. However, as one would expect, research and evaluation into its potential successor is taking place now. It is too early to properly identity the type of vehicle that will eventually replace the CR2.
§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many tanks are in service and how many have been operational in each of the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement. [18822]
§ Mr. IngramI refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 28 November 2001,Official Report, columns 913–14W to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne), regarding the number of armoured vehicles currently in service. It is not possible to state how many have been operational during the last 20 years as this information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.