§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has invited manufacturers to tender for the supply of combat body armour for general issue; and if combat body armour will be introduced into general service in 1989.
§ Mr. SainsburyModifications were required to the original design in the light of experience during the troop trials. A further trial of the modified design is now taking place and should be completed shortly.
Manufacturers have not yet been invited to tender for the supply of combat body armour for general issue. Its introduction into general service is now expected to begin in 1990.