§ 36. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he now expects to bring forward a Bill to give the royal ordnance factories Companies Act status.
§ Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to introduce a Bill to change the current status of the royal ordnance factories.
§ Mr. PattieVery shortly.
§ 42. Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to be able to estimate the cost to public funds of the work of Messrs N. M. Rothschild & Sons and Messrs Lazard Brothers in advising on the privatisation of the royal ordnance factories.
§ Mr. PattieAs I explained in my reply to the hon. Member on 25 October—Vol 47, c. 62—the banks are paid according to work done; the work is kept under careful review, but how long it will need to continue depends upon determination of the detail of the implementation of our plans to change the status of the ROFs.