HC Deb 09 February 1998 vol 306 cc73-4W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) main battle tank and (b) light tank transporter vehicles are (i) in service and (ii) operationally deployable; and if he will make a statement. [28349]

Mr. Spellar

The Army has 121 main battle tank transporters in service of which 112 are currently in unit hands.

There are 194 vehicles capable of being used to transport light armoured vehicles of which 43 are actually used for this purpose; of all these are unit hands.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many tank transporter vehicle drivers are(a) in service and (b) operationally deployed; and if this is designated protected A Trade employment. [28345]

Mr. Spellar

There are 477 tank transporter drivers in the Army. 39 are currently operationally deployed. This is not a protected trade, and I understand that the A Trade designation is no longer in use.