§ Mr. Ashdownasked 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. ButlerShells filled with RDX/TNT cost slightly more, and have a greater explosive power and battlefield effectiveness, than shells filled solely with TNT.
§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Defence why a recent order for 11,000 medium artillery shells has been placed with PRB in Belgium.
§ Mr. ButlerThe contract for 11,000 shells was awarded to PRB because, following a competitive tender exercise, its tender offered the best value for money.