§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 28 October,Official Report, column 728, if he will set out the arrangements under which the all terrain mobile platforms are available for the use of 5 Airborne Brigade; which unit has peacetime control of these vehicles; what plans he has to authorise a formal establishment of such vehicles for 5 Airborne Brigade; what similar vehicles are available to 24 Airmobile Brigade; what plans he has to provide a formal establishment of such vehicles for 24 Airmobile Brigade; whether it will be possible for both brigades to be operationally deployed simultaneously; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hanley5 Airborne Brigade has first priority use of 39 all terrain mobile platforms from a central operational pool of equipment. They are currently held and maintained by 5 Airborne Brigade, although the holding is not established and there are no current plans to establish it. Routine replacement of these vehicles is planned. We are considering the future requirement for additional all terrain mobile platforms, including for 24 Airmobile Brigade. Both brigades could be operationally deployed simultaneously now if necessary.