§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the replacement programme for DMS boots and DPM combat smocks for the Army and the Territorial Army; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeThe programme for the replacement of the Boot DMS by the Boot Combat High (BCH) was completed in January 1985. All male personnel in the Regular and Territorial Army are therefore in possession of the new boot, but the WRAC continue to wear the Boot DMS pending development of a suitable ankle-boot alternative.
As far as the issue of Smocks Combat DPM is concerned, all Regular servicemen are already in receipt of their full entitlement; issues to the TA should be completed within the next six months. Service women are currently issued with combat smocks only when deployed to field force units.