The Ministry of Defence has signalled that it is preparing to issue enhanced body armour to all troops, after officials came under furious attack from MPs.

The move follows the political row which erupted over the death of Sergeant Steve Roberts, from Shipley, who died after being ordered to give back his body armour because there was not enough to go round.

His widow, Samantha Roberts, has hit the headlines with her high-profile campaign to find out who was responsible for there not being enough enhanced body armour.

The MoD's most senior civil servant, the Permanent Secretary Sir Kevin Tebbit, was forced to deny charges of "arrogance and complacency" during a heated session of the Commons Public Accounts Committee.

He told MPs he was awaiting a recommendation from the Chiefs of Staff on whether enhanced body armour should become part of the standard- issue kit like uniforms, helmet and personal weapons. "My expectation is that they will move in that direction," he said.

Sir Kevin faced an outspoken attack from Gerry Steinberg, Labour MP for Durham City, who said the failure of the MoD to ensure troops fighting in Iraq were properly equipped had cost lives.

"I find your attitude not only arrogant but complacent as well. I think soldiers may have died because of the failures of your department," he said.

"I know it is beneath you to come to this meeting because you have other ones which are more important, but you could at least give us the courtesy of answering our questions.

"If I was a soldier being led by some of the hierarchy I see at this table, I would be worried, to be quite honest."

Sir Kevin replied: "I really have tried to answer your questions and I am very disappointed you spoke to me in those terms.

"The idea that we are complacent about this is completely wrong."