§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many 155 mm artillery shells were sold off by his Department in each year between 1980 and 1990; and if he will list each country purchasing the shells and the average price obtained. [42060]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe records of sales conducted by the Ministry of Defence, prior to the privatisation of Royal Ordnance in 1985, or of surplus shells between 1985 and 1990, are not available. Questions related to sales conducted by Royal Ordnance plc since that date are a matter for the company.
§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the number and value of 155 mm shells and cartridges produced for export by the United Kingdom in each of the years 1980 to 1990; and to which countries these items were exported. [42062]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotIt remains Government policy not to reveal details of exports of defence equipment. Such information is confidential between the customer and the supplier.
§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many 155 mm shells were purchased by his Department for the Falklands war; and what was the country of origin of those shells and shell components and the average price paid. [42061]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotNo 155 mm guns were used in the Falklands war and therefore no 155 millimetre shells were purchased.
§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many 155 mm shells and parts of 155 mm shells were purchased by his Department each year between 1980 and 1990; and what was the average price paid for these shells. [42057]
667W
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe information required could be produced only at disproportionate cost.