HC Deb 15 May 1985 vol 79 c151W
Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will describe the difference between an artillery shell filled with (i) TNT and (ii) RDX/TNT mix with particular reference to (a) the cost per shell for production, (b) its battlefield effectiveness and (c) its explosive power.

Mr. Butler

Shells filled with RDX/TNT cost slightly more, and have a greater explosive power and battlefield effectiveness, than shells filled solely with TNT.

Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why a recent order for 11,000 medium artillery shells has been placed with PRB in Belgium.

Mr. Butler

The contract for 11,000 shells was awarded to PRB because, following a competitive tender exercise, its tender offered the best value for money.