§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of anti-tank mines(a) possessed by or (b) in the process of being procured by the United Kingdom armed forces have self-destruct mechanisms. [4315]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotAll anti-tank mines in service with the multiple launch rocket system phase II and JP233 will self-destruct after a pre-set time, once deployed. No other in-service anti-tank mines have self-destruct mechanisms. It is our established policy, for security reasons, not to reveal information relating to stock levels of munitions held.
I recently announced on 29 November 1995, Official Report, column 768, our intention to purchase a vehicle-launched scatterable mine system. All the mines to be procured for VLSMS will have a self-destruct mechanism. We are currently procuring any other anti-tank mines.
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§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the UK possess the means remotely to deliver anti-tank mines; and if the MLRS system is equipped remotely to deliver anti-tank mines. [4325]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotYes. Both the multiple launch rocket system phase II and JP233 are capable of delivering anti-tank mines remotely. I recently announced on 29 November 1995,Official Report, column 768, our intention to purchase a vehicle-launched scatterable mine system, which will also be capable of delivering anti-tank mines remotely. All these systems utilise mines which self-destruct after a short laid life.