§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what United Kingdom capability exists for the design and manufacture of rifle grenades: which company was responsible for the production of rifle grenades currently in service: for what reasons no British company has been invited to tender for the design and supply of rifle grenades under tender No. LWS 2a/459; and if he will make a statement. [20332]
§ Mr. FreemanAny accredited United Kingdom ammunition manufacturer would have the capability to design and manufacture rifle grenades as the technology is not complex. Current in-service grenades were manufactured by Luchaire (France) and Martin Marietta (US). Two UK companies registered an interest in the advance notice of tender LWS 2a/459, Heckler and Koch (UK) and Hunting Engineering. However, Heckler and Koch (UK) withdrew from the tender in August 1993, and the Hunting Engineering proposal did not meet the services' requirements.