§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in re-roling an armoured regiment into a joint nuclear, biological and chemical weapons regiment; and if he will make a statement. [117490]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 3 April 2000]: The Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (JNBC) Regiment was established on 1 April 1999. It includes the majority of personnel from 1st Royal Tank Regiment who re-roled on return from Germany in summer 1999. However, one squadron and the Reconnaissance Troop from lst Royal Tank Regiment continue to provide the Armoured Demonstration Squadron element of the Combined Arms Training Centre at Warminster. The JNBC Regiment conducted a series of exercises towards the end of 1999 and declared that it had reached its Initial Operating Capability at the end of December.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in restructuring the armoured regiments; and if he will make a statement. [117488]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 3 April 2000]: The new establishments have been agreed and the additional fourth squadrons will be formed by 2002.