§ Mr. ConwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to place the demonstration phase contract with Vickers Defence Systems for the Challenger II mark 2 tank.
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§ Mr. SainsburyContractual negotiations have been successfully concluded between MOD and Vickers Defence Systems and a contract for the demonstration phase of the Challenger II mark 2 tank was placed on Friday 20 January, in accordance with the procurement strategy set out by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence in his statement on 20 December 1988 columns 283–84 and with the precise criteria as set out in the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member on 20 December at column259.