§ Miss Emma NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when his Department will announce a decision on the replacement for the Chieftain as the main battle tank for the British Army.
(2) what has caused the delay by his Department in reaching a decision on selecting a replacement for the Chieftain as the main battle tank for the British Army.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkAs I told the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle) on 4 June 1991,Official Report, Volume 192, columns 142–43, a wide range of factors has to he taken into account in reaching a decision as important as that on the equipment for our future main battle tank fleet. It is our intention to make a further announcement before the end of this month.
§ Miss Emma NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of St ate for Defence (1) what account he will take of the likely employment consequences in the British defence industry in making his decision on the replacement main battle tank for the British Army;
(2) what account he will take of the potential value to the British defence industry of export orders for the Vickers Challenger 2 in making his decision on the replacement main battle tank for the British Army.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkAll relevant factors will be taken into account.