Ministerial Corrections

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armoured vehicles of each type in the armed forces are (a) fit to be deployed and (b) in service in Afghanistan.

[Official Report, 10 November 2009, Vol. 499, c. 230W.]

Letter of correction from Mr. Quentin Davies:

Errors have been identified in the written answer given to the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) on 10 November 2009. The entries for Challenger 2 and Snatch 2 have been revised.

The correct answer should have been: (297932)

I am withholding the information requested on the numbers of vehicles fit for deployment and in service on operations for operational security reasons.

I can however provide figures for armoured vehicles which are fit for purpose. This is defined as vehicles that are capable of being used in whatever capacity they are currently required for. Fit for purpose figures as at 4 November 2009 are shown in the following table, along with total fleet numbers.

Significant quantities of Mastiff, Vector and Snatch are currently in the process of withdrawal to the UK following the cessation of operations in Iraq.