§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Defence what increases in rates of ammunition usage and attrition are now anticipated compared to those anticipated prior to Arab-Israeli wars; what corresponding increases of ammunition stock holdings have already been introduced and will be introduced over the next five years; and what is the need for additional equipment to transport this.
§ Mr. StanleyInformation on assumed rates of ammunition usage and stockholdings is classified. Since 1979–80, Army stocks of anti-tank and air defence missiles358W have have increased considerably, some threefold in the anti-tank case. Increases have also been made in other essential stocks, such as artillery and main small arms ammunition, and fuel stocks. Over the next few years, we will be increasing the number of Rapier fire units for BAOR, as well as making further increases in our stocks of Javelin missiles. The Army has a requirement for additional ammunition movement capability in BAOR, to which the procurement of the demountable rack offloading and pickup system will contribute.