§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the techniques and equipment used by the armed services to transport tanks. [4426]
§ Mr. SoamesThis is a matter for the Defence Transport and Movements Executive—DTMX—under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Michael Hodson to Dr. David Clark, dated 15 November 1996:
I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, about the transportation of tanks, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Transport and Movements Executive Agency.Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) may be moved by three means: road, rail and sea, depending on the location and destination. Within the UK, transportation is by road, either on military owned and operated tank transporters or, when Service resources are fully tasked, by commercial heavy lift hauliers. Rail cannot be utilized due to the limitations of the UK 'loading gauge'.On the continent, MBTs are moved by both road and rail. Military tank transporters are used within Germany but their axle weights exceed the limits for the Low Countries and there, commercial road hauliers or rail are employed. Train movement may comprise just individual tanks or an entire squadron of tanks and other armoured vehicles, and be on either military or commercial rolling stock.MBTs move by sea to other parts of the world, e.g. Canada, where they are on-moved by rail. The vessels can be either Service or commercial, chartered from the international market. The preferred type is the Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro Ro), as this allows for quicker loading and discharge, compared to the Lift-on/Lift-off (Lo Lo) freighters.