§ Mr. Tom Kingasked the Secretary of State for Defence what the impact of the cuts in defence spending will be on the Royal Ordnance factories; or if this is not yet assessed, when he expects to be able to make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersThe detailed effect of the defence review on the Royal Ordnance factories can only be assessed when all our consultations have been completed and final decisions taken. We expect to publish a White Paper next March giving these decisions. However, bearing in mind that the Royal Ordnance factories carry out a substantial amount of defence work for overseas customers, I hope that the overall level of activity and employment will not be seriously affected.