Written question asked by Lord Tebbit (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Drayson (Labour) on Monday, 18 December 2006.

Armed Forces: Ammunition

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether British troops in Afghanistan or Iraq have obtained ammunition from United States or Canadian troops because of concerns about the quality of the ammunition with which they have been issued by the Ministry of Defence.

Answer: No. The MoD did purchase 0.5 calibre heavy machine gun ammunition from its Canadian allies in Afghanistan, in June this year to overcome a weapons system issue that has now been resolved. This issue did not relate to the quality of the ammunition, however. In August 2006, 81 mm mortars were purchased from the US in order to meet an urgent re-supply need. There were sufficient stocks in theatre but, on this occasion, supply from a US base was quicker and safer in the circumstances.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 459; 687 c231WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Ammunition Canada Iraq Peacekeeping operations Procurement Standards USA Afghanistan
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk