HC Deb 04 June 1981 vol 5 c418W
Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the reduction or cancellation in planned procurement for equipment, stores and fuel for each of the services over the past 12 months.

Mr. Pattie

For the main adjustments to equipment programmes I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 20 January 1981.—[Vol. 997, c. 149–51.] In addition, the House was told on 14 July 1980.—[Vol. 988, c. 420–21]—of the discontinuation of the programme for the future main battle tank MBT 80. The "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1981" [Cmnd. 8212–1] reported the deferment of a planned order for new landing craft. It has also been decided not to proceed with the full development of the advanced anti-armour weapon mentioned at paragraph 616d of SDE 81, although the requirement for this weapon remains.