Mr. O'NeillTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the current status of the planned procurement of a direct fire weapons effect system for the British Army;
(2) what companies have expressed an interest in supplying the British Army with a direct fire weapons effect system;
(3) what effect the "Options for Change" study has had upon the planned procurement of a direct fire weapons effect system;
(4) what is the approximate quantity of direct fire weapons effect systems that the British Army will require.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkSeveral companies have submitted tenders for the direct fire weapons effect system. These are486W still being considered. It is not our normal practice to reveal the names of the companies concerned at this stage in a competition. Actual numbers of equipment to be procured are classified, but quantities have been adjusted to take account of "Options for Change".