§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the desertification of Challenger II tanks will be completed(a) before they are loaded for transport to the Gulf and (b) before they arrive in the Gulf; and if he will make a statement. [93937]
§ Mr. IngramThe improvement in the performance of Challenger II tanks in desert conditions is achieved through the combined effect of a number of modifications. The first modification was completed prior to the tanks being loaded for transportation. The remaining modifications will be completed after they arrive in theatre.