§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects British tank crews to receive the protection of the new Chobham armour; and whether he will ensure that they do so before the tank crews of other countries having regard to the fact that the armour is of British design.
§ Mr. William RodgersBritish tank crews will receive the protection of Chobham armour with the entry into service of the next generation of main battle tank. Meanwhile, we believe it right to exploit the new invention to the benefit of the United Kingdom's economy and balance of payments.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he proposes that a charge to recoup the cost of research and development will be made to NATO allies 523W who use the new British-designed Chobham armour on their armoured vehicles.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe information on Chobham armour passed to the US and to FRG may be used by them free of charge for certain Government purposes, under agreed arrangements for reciprocal exchanges of information. They may not make use of it for commercial purposes without consulting us, when we would expect to negotiate a suitable royalty.