asked the Minister for Defence, in relation to the reply to parliamentary question No. 400 of 24 June, 1980 (1) if the increase in the number of artillery units has been matched by an increase in the number of artillery pieces available, or if, in view of the growing age of the equipment such as 25 pounder field guns, this is only a paper increase; (2) the number of batteries equipped with (a) mortars, (b) field guns and (c) A/T weapons, and the average number of pieces per battery; (3) why no tank units are shown; if separate tank squadrons have been formed; if not, the units which operate the Scorpion tanks; and (4) if special units will be formed to operate the new A/T and AA missiles and, if not, the units which operate these weapons.
Written Answers. - Artillery Armaments.
308.
(1) Sufficient artillery weapons are available to provide an allocation for the additional three Artillery Corps batteries which were established as a result of the re-organisation of the Defence Forces. Steps are being taken to replace the 25 pounder guns.
(2) In the interests of security, it is not the practice to furnish particulars of the number and disposition of weapons allocated to units.
(3) Provision has been made in peace establishments for a Tank Squadron in the Cavalry Corps with an initial establishment of 80 all ranks. The question of additional appointments in the Tank Squadron will be considered according as further purchases of tanks are made.
(4) A new Guided Weapons and Air Defence Section, consisting of 20 all ranks, has been set up in the Artillery Corps Depot. Existing batteries will have the capability of operating these weapons as further supplies become available.
309.
asked the Minister for Defence if the field guns referred to by his predecessor in his Estimate speech on 13 June 1980 are additional to those referred to by a previous Minister in an interview with the Press (details supplied); if these guns are of the same type or calibre; the number for which firm orders have been placed; the number it is intended to acquire; the number delivered; and when the remainder will be delivered.
The field guns referred to in the Estimate speech by my predecessor on 13 June 1980 are additional to those referred to in the press article in question. They are of the same type and calibre, i.e. field artillery 105 mm guns. A total of 12 has been ordered to date and six have been delivered. The balance is due for delivery next year.
The question of further purchases will be determined in accordance with requirements generally and in the light of operational needs.