§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Defence if BL was invited to bid for all replacements of cars and trucks required by Her Majesty's forces in the financial years 1982–83 to date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeI can confirm that British Leyland has had full opportunity to compete for the services' foreseen requirements for new cars and trucks over the period mentioned. Orders have additionally gone to the appropriate manufacturers to replace existing vehicles which have been disposed of on grounds of age and mileage. Land Rover has, of course, been the sole source of supply for the services' extensive fleet in the ½ tonne and ¾ tonne range: and other BL products in the fleet include Metros (saloon and van) and the Sherpa utility. The company is currently competing actively for the services' requirements for a new 4-tonne truck as well as other specialised logistic vehicles. The Department will be considering appropriate BL models later this year for its grade A and B staff car requirements.