§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Defence when the study into the future organisation of Royal ordnance factories will be completed; and whether and when it will be published.
§ Mr. GoodhartMinisters are expected to consider the study group's report in February and will then decide what further action might be necessary.
§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether there will be a period of public consultation on the recommendations of the study group on Royal ordnance factories before final Government decisions are made thereon.
§ Mr. GoodhartA decision on public consultation will be taken when Ministers have considered the study group's report.
§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the employment effects in Royal ordnance factories of his decision announced in his statement on defence spending of 20 January.
§ Mr. GoodhartEmployment in the Royal ordnance factories was dealt with in a debate on the Consolidated Fund Bill on 17 December 1980, and the position is not changed by my right hon. Friend's statement. A further review of manpower will be made as the order position clarifies.