§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement as to the progress made since his answer of 2 December 1982, Official Report, c. 263, in reducing the risk of flammability in clothing worn by men and women serving in Her Majesty's services.
§ Mr. PattieContracts have been placed for Royal Navy flame-resistant cotton working dress and coveralls to replace polyester cotton garments, and the changeover in the fleet should be completed in the next few months. Trials afloat of a new design flame-resistant action coverall are due to commence shortly. The Army and Royal Air Force authorities continue to pay very close attention to the potential flammability of their clothing ranges, and, for example, special flameproof coveralls for armoured fighting vehicle crewmen are being issued for use in the event of mobilisation.