§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints about noise caused by explosions at Shoeburyness were received in each of the last 20 years from residents living in(a) Maldon District, (b) Chelmsford Borough, (c) Rochford District, (d) Colchester Borough, (e) Tendriny District, (f) Southend-on-Sea Unitary Authority, (g) Castlepoint District and (h) Kent. [128088]
§ Mr. CaplinComplaints were not recorded before 1990. Between 1990 and 1994, complaints were divided into three broad geographical areas the first covering the immediate locality, the second North Essex and the third Kent. Since 1995, complaints have been recorded for the areas listed. The numbers of complaints from 1990 about noise from the range arising from demolitions, explosions and gunfire are as follows:
§ Mr. IngramIt is not possible to provide a meaningful assessment of the distance an armoured brigade can travel in 24 hours because the rate of progress is governed by a wide range of variable factors, such as the type of terrain, climatic conditions, and the nature of any hostilities.
The introduction of the new Oshkosh transporters will, however, introduce a significant increase in capability. Even though there will be 28 fewer transporters than we currently hold, the old vehicles have become increasingly difficult to maintain and the availability levels are therefore low. The new Oshkosh Tank Transporter fleet will be operated under a public private partnership 49W initiative and payment is based on performance. Availability levels will be guaranteed, using vehicles leased from civilian hauliers if necessary.
Additionally, the Oshkosh has a number of features that vastly improve its capability. These include a Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) giving the fleet an increased off road capability. It also has a dual winch system and can double load Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicles unlike the Scammell Commander which was restricted to carrying only single Warriors. This double loading capability frees up considerable trailer space for the movement of Challenger 2 Tanks vital in the deployment of an Armoured Brigade.