§ Mr. Banksasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, under the present planned expenditure on military equip- 274W ment, orders for tanks have yet to be placed; and if he will provide details.
§ Dr. GilbertIn September 1978 we began the first stage of development of a new main battle tank to replace the Chieftain in the late 1980s. We hope to place production orders in the mid-1980s. The possibility of an earlier purchase of tanks is also under consideration.