Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 22 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 December 2001. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 December 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many tanks are in service and how many have been operational in each of the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement. - Includes ref to 375 c913-4W and that operational figures not held centrally and disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many tanks are in service and how many have been operational in each of the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement. [18822] Mr. Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave on 28 November 2001, Official Report, columns 913-14W to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne), regarding the number of armoured vehicles currently in service. It is not possible to state how many have been operational during the last 20 years as this information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information