To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Mk7 helmets (a) have been ordered, (b) have been delivered to theatre and (c) are planned to be delivered to theatre; and over what period the latter are planned to be delivered. (304673)

15,000 Mk7 helmets have been ordered, of which 5,000 have been delivered to theatre. A further 7,000 will be delivered to theatre early next year. Defence Clothing is seeking to contract for more Mk7 helmets to meet requirements over and above the 3,000 remaining from the original contract.

Because helmets are a personnel issue item, theatre stocks will be continually replenished as service personnel return to the UK with their helmet at the end of their tour of duty.