To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the answer given to the hon. Member for Congleton (Ann Winterton) of 25 November 2008, Official Report, column 1170W, on armoured vehicles (1) for how long it has been his Department's policy to refit unarmoured Jackals with armour; (242842)

The Department has not procured any unarmoured Jackals, nor does it intend to in the future. The Jackal configuration has always included the armour and, as the armour fit is a part of the vehicle base standard, there is no additional cost for fitting it. 13 vehicles were, however, released early to the training fleet before the armour was fitted to facilitate training. These vehicles have not been used on operations and are in service only within the UK-based training fleet. 12 of the 13 vehicles are currently undergoing a programme to fit the armour retrospectively at no cost to the Department.