§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on problems with the SA80 in the conflict in the Gulf; and what steps are being taken to overcome such problems. [105513]
§ Mr. IngramHot and dusty environments—such as those pertaining in the Gulf area—are the most demanding in which to operate small arms of any kind. The new cleaning regime introduced for the modified SA80 is minimising the effects of the harsh environmental conditions. Units have expressed confidence in the modified SA80, and its performance during operations in Iraq thus far has demonstrated that it is one of the most reliable weapons in its class.