§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether the tender procedure for the purchase of 7.62 mm and 9 mm bullets will be open to overseas suppliers.
§ Mr. LeeI would expect that some of our future purchases of small arms ammunition will continue to be from overseas suppliers, subject as always to considerations of national interest and economic procurement.
§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will list the quantity, value, and name of overseas suppliers for 7.62 mm and 9 mm bullets purchased in the years 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84 and 1984–85 by the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. LeeMOD purchases from overseas suppliers were as follows:
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Year and Supplier Type Quantity (000) 1981–82 Dynamit Nobel 9 mm Blank 150 1982–83 Dynamit Nobel 9 mm Blank 350 1983–84 Dynamit Nobel 9 mm Ball 10,500
§ Mr. LeeThe right hon. Gentleman will already be aware of representations that have been made in this House. In answer to an earlier question on 26 July 1985, at columns 876–77, I said that in carrying out our review of section 10, account had also been taken of views that had been expressed by former members of the armed forces, the families of current and former members, members of the public and Members of Parliament. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has arranged to receive further representation from the right hon. Gentleman and other Members this afternoon.