HC Deb 27 November 1990 vol 181 cc378-9W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when British troops in the desert will be kitted out in desert camouflage or khaki drill; and what use has been made of British Army studies of desert kit and camouflage.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Sufficient desert combat clothing has been delivered to the Gulf for an initial issue to the troops already deployed there, and further quantities are being purchased to meet future requirements. As a result of recent Ministry of Defence studies the Army's new desert clothing incorporates a number of improvements, including a change in the design of the trousers, and the use of new materials with a special disruptive camouflage pattern for desert use.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies he has done of the operational effectiveness of the SA80 assault rifle in desert camouflage conditions.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The SA80 individual weapon has proven on a number of hot weather trials conducted over the last two years that it performs well in severe desert conditions. Camouflage requirements depend on local terrain, and any additional provision is determined by commanders in the field.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the new desert uniforms being supplied to British troops stationed in the Gulf are of the same pattern as uniforms exported in the last 10 years.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The desert combat clothing being supplied to the British forces in the Gulf is of a new design based on improvements in tropical uniforms. These improvements include a change in the design of the trousers and the use of new materials, incorporating a special disruptive camouflage pattern for desert use.