§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to purchase Australian Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [7243]
§ Dr. MoonieThis is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 15 October 2001:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to purchase the Australian Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.The Australian Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle was a contender for the Future Command and Liaison Vehicle programme, but the manufacturer withdrew the vehicle during the concept stage of the project in 2000. As a result there are no current plans to purchase the Bushmaster vehicle.