§ Mr. Batisteasked the Secretary of State for Defence if Her Majesty's Government have issued any invitation to Vickers plc to make a bid for any royal ordnance factory.
§ Mr. LeeVickers plc has expressed an interest in acquiring the Royal ordnance factory at Leeds and we are in discussion with it. It would not be appropriate for me to disclose details of the discussions, but no decisions have been taken.
§ Mr. Batisteasked the Secretary of State for Defence what parties and rights are involved in the disputes concerning the intellectual property rights vested in Royal Ordnance plc.
§ Mr. LeeDiscussions between the MOD and its suppliers are generally confidential because of the commercial sensitivity. I cannot therefore discuss the sort of matter to which my hon. friend refers.