§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original requirement for the Saxon vehicle; what is the present planned provision of Saxon, naming the units to which it will be deployed; how many have been deployed; what is the time scale for the deployment of the remainder; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButlerSaxon was selected to provide a wheeled armoured personnel carrier for infantry battalions in 19 and 24 Infantry Brigades with a role in reinforcing 1 (BR) Corps, the battalions of the United Kingdom Mobile Force (Land) and the supporting troops of the formations to which they belong. Current plans envisage the provision of approximately 500 Saxon, of which some 70 have been deployed. Issue of the remainder is expected to run until 1987–88. Decisions on further purchases will depend on priorities across the defence budget.