§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the acquisition of the new Challenger tanks will (a) enable certain of the armoured regiments at present equipped with light reconnaissance tanks to be re-equipped with main battle tanks and (b) enable the light tanks so released to be used to strengthen the defence of the United Kingdom by issue to units of the Territorial Army.
§ Mr. GoodhartAs my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House told the House on 14 July 1980 a ninth armoured 105W regiment would be formed in BAOR by changing the role of an armoured reconnaissance regiment. It is too early to say whether any further reorganisation will take place, or whether any light tanks will be available for issue to the Territorial Army following the introduction of Challenger. This is still under study.