§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Spartan vehicles will be converted from petrol to diesel engines; and if he will make a statement. [17672]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotAs part of the enhancement programme for the combat vehicle reconnaissance (tracked)—CVR(T)—family of vehicles, which includes Spartan, studies have been undertaken into the feasibility of replacing existing petrol engines with diesel. Further work is currently in progress, which should allow a decision on whether to proceed to be made this summer. If it is decided to proceed, the first diesel engines are expected to enter service in 1998, with production complete by 2000–01.