§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what impact the involvement of British troops in United Nations operations has had on the TRACER—tactical reconnaissance armoured combat vehicle—feasibility studies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenThe feasibility studies for TRACER currently in progress are based on our latest assessment of the capabilities required for future armoured reconnaissance vehicles. This is derived from the whole range of our operational experience. As is normal, we will be re-examining our requirements against all relevant operational experience before embarking on the next phase of the project.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 December,Official Report, column 296, when he expects the TRACER feasibility studies will be completed; and which companies are involved in the three consortia carrying out the studies.
§ Mr. AitkenThe industrial feasibility studies for TRACER are due to be completed by end of April 1994. The principal companies involved in the three consortia are British Aerospace royal ordnance division, Alvis, GEC-Marconi, GKN Sankey, Vickers Defence Systems, Texas Instruments, Shorts, Siemens-Plessey and Teledyne. There are numerous other United Kingdom and foreign supporting companies which are also involved to varying extents.