Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 6 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 December 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 13 December 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the (a) number and (b) purpose of the Challenger 2 main battle tanks based in Germany. - Inc ref t o 376 c356-7W, 5 December 2001.

Answer: Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the (a) number and (b) purpose of the Challenger 2 main battle tanks based in Germany. [22273] Mr. Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 5 December 2001, Official Report, columns 356-57W. Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks provide the backbone of the armoured capability of the Army. Their purpose is the destruction of enemy armour in the contact battle, but they also have a wider utility across the spectrum of conflict, as has been demonstrated in the Balkans.

Secondary information