§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he received the study group report on privatisation of Royal ordnance factories; when he intends to publish its findings; and if he will make a statement;
87W(2) if he will undertake to have discussions with hon. Members with constituency interests in Royal ordnance factories, and with employee representatives before taking any action on privatisation of Royal ordnance factories as outlined in the study group report; and if he will make a statement;
(3) whether any discussions have taken place with private industry on the sale of Royal ordnance factories outside the context of the study group referred to by him in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Cartwright) on 1 April, Official Report, column 121; or whether the study group has been involved in any discussions.
§ Mr. NottI have received the report of the study group and I am considering its recommendations. The report canvasses a number of possibilities for the development of the organisation, including various forms of privatisation. Separately, there have naturally been contacts between my Department and a number of private sector companies about the future of the ROFs. The next step is for the Government to form a view on the best way forward, taking account of all the interests involved. I hope to put forward proposals before the Summer Recess, and there will, of course, be consulation with representatives of the ROF work force at the appropriate time.