§ Mr. Beanasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any improvements are contemplated in tank design and protection; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonThe United Kingdom has succeeded in developing a unique form of tank armour. This provides an exceptional level of protection against both chemical energy attack from guided weapons and all forms of attack from tank guns, and can be carried on tanks of comparable weight and agility to those in service today.
We shall fit this armour, and other improvements, into our next main battle tank.
Meanwhile, in the interests of NATO, we have made information on the invention available to the United States of 220W America and the Federal Republic of Germany.
We have secured important commercial benefits from the invention, as it forms part of a large new order for tanks by Iran. This order will be worth over £500 million, including spares and logistic support, and over 1,200 tanks will be fitted with the new armour.