§ 7. Dr. Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde)What recent representations he has received concerning the present circumstances and future prospects of Royal Ordnance, Bishopton. [86536]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. John Spellar)In addition to the representations concerning Royal Ordnance, Bishopton made personally by my hon. Friend and the recent inquiry by the Defence Select Committee, Ministers have answered questions in this House and received letters from hon. Members, representatives of the trade unions and members of the public, including employees of Royal Ordnance. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence met a delegation from the trade unions at RO Bishopton earlier this year, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement met a similar delegation last year.
§ Dr. GodmanMight I offer my compliments to my hon. Friend and his colleagues for the positive response that they have made to the Defence Committee's report on the Royal Ordnance plans? There is now a real prospect of a constructive and stable relationship between the Ministry of Defence and the RO and the possibility of a link with Rheinmetall of Germany. Does my hon. Friend agree that the time is now right for British Aerospace to be equally positive in its response by, among other things, reprieving RO Bishopton?
§ Mr. SpellarI thank my hon. Friend for that question and for his representations during the discussions on the issue. We are pleased that discussions between MOD officials and RO management on the company's future prospects are nearing completion. We are considering the possibility of a long-term strategic partnering arrangement, which would see the company becoming the preferred MOD supplier for certain types of ammunition. Recommendations on that are expected to come before Ministers shortly.
§ Mr. Robert Key (Salisbury)In joining in congratulating our forces on their professionalism in Kosovo and in thanking their families, I would add the 400,000 individuals employed in the defence industries in this country and the scientific and industrial civil servants who have supported our forces in the background. However, it is a bit hollow for the work force at Bishopton to hear that. Now that the Government have decided that they will no longer buy British ammunition for British forces, will war stocks of ammunition be adjusted upwards to reflect the inevitable reduction in security of supply?
§ Mr. SpellarThat is not a new policy. The hon. Gentleman should reflect on the policy of previous Administrations.
The more constructive part of the hon. Gentleman's question had to do with the policy on war stocks. Our policy is to maintain ammunition war stocks at a level commensurate with short-warning conflict. In the event of conflict on a larger scale, there should be sufficient warning time to procure ammunition from domestic or overseas sources or manufacturers. Equally significantly, 755 ammunition stockpile holdings are under review following the strategic defence review. Obviously, any lessons from recent conflicts will be incorporated into that study.