asked the Minister for Defence the plans his Department have to replace Army transport; whether most of the transport is worn out; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Vehicles for the Army transport fleet are purchased — and will continue to be — in the light of operational requirements and the amount provided annually in the Defence Vote in respect of mechanical transport. Vehicles in the fleet are fully maintained and repaired to ensure that they meet normal standards of road-worthiness. Each year numbers of vehicles reach the stage where they are beyond economic repair and arrangements are then made for their disposal.