HC Deb 07 May 1996 vol 277 c5
4. Mr. Davidson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the RB-44 Army light vehicle. [26922]

Mr. Arbuthnot

I am pleased that, as a result of the programme to resolve the braking problems that we had with the Reynolds Boughton RB-44 heavy utility truck, the vehicles are now re-entering service with the Army.

Mr. Davidson

Does the Minister agree that that was a poor answer for someone who has just rushed all the way from Glasgow to receive it? The vehicle's history is a litany of incompetence by the MOD and the private sector builder. Does the Minister agree that the matter would be far better passed to the National Audit Office for investigation?

Mr. Arbuthnot

No, I do not agree—I thought that it was rather a good answer. Of more than 800 vehicles that we bought, nearly two thirds are back in service with the Army, and the others are awaiting modifications. The modifications are relatively minor and the company is meeting the cost of providing kits to make them.