§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the orders for the second batch of Astute class submarines will be placed; and for how many boats; [98245]
(2) whether the schedule for ordering later batches of Astute class submarines has been affected by the delayed building of the first batch. [98244]
§ Mr. IngramAn agreed programme for the first buy of Astute is a pre-requisite of any future orders. On current plans, a decision on the timing and detail of future submarine orders is expected later this year.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Defence Procurement Agency expects to award a contract for the 5.56 mm light machine guns; how much these guns will weigh; how many units will be produced; when the guns will come into full service; what the length is of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [98350]
§ Mr. IngramThe Light Machine Gun requirement is for a weapon system with ancillaries that weighs less than 20 kg when loaded with a belt of 200 rounds. A contract for around 2,500 weapons is expected to be placed before the summer to achieve an approved in service date of 2004. The contract will take up to three years to complete.
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§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to award a contract for the Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System; how many units will be produced; what part of the Army will use it; when it will come into service; what the length is of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [98351]
§ Mr. IngramThe Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon System contract, for in excess of 350 systems, was placed on 7 February 2003 and is expected to be completed in 2010.
The system is expected to enter service with the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces and the Mechanised Infantry in 2006.