§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence, further to his statement on 1 July, Official Report, column 862, when he anticipates he will be in a position to announce his decision as to a seventh Chanllenger regiment; what representations he has received from suppliers as to the implications of further delay; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeAs regards timing of a further order for Challenger tanks I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Mr. Batiste) on 11 July 1986 at column305. As the House is aware, we are in discussion with Royal Ordnance and Vickers plc, which are potential suppliers of Challengers tanks. Some suppliers of tank components have also inquired about the prospects for future orders.