§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Defence by how much actual production is exceeded by potential capacity in (a) royal ordnance factory Birtley, (b) royal ordnance factory Bishopton, (c) royal ordnance factory Blackburn, (d) royal ordnance factory Bridgwater, (e) royal ordnance factory Chorley, (f) royal small arms factory Enfield, (g) royal ordnance factory Glascoed, (h) royal ordnance factory Leeds, (i) royal ordnance factory Nottingham, (j) royal ordnance factory Radway Green and (k) royal ordnance factory Patricroft, respectively.
§ Mr. PattieThe average factory activities are obtained by dividing the direct productive hours worked in Quarter 3 1983–84 by the maximum number of hours possible based on single-shift working. Exceptions to this are where, of necessity, the plant is run continuously, and 435W these are noted in the following paragraphs. The current activity levels are applicable to the existing orders and requirements and labour levels are adjusted accordingly.
ROF Birtley—Current activity—60 per cent. (cf December 82—65 per cent.)
The major under-utilisation of capacity is in the large calibre shell and case area. This output will be further reduced next year by the loss of 155 mm shell but activity is expected to remain constant by slight increases in other areas.ROF Bishopton—Current activity—60 per cent. (cf December 82—55 per cent.)
This activity takes into account those processes (propellant and combustible case manufacture) which are run continuously.Combustible case and gun propellant manufacture is well utilised but the rocket propellant, smoke bomb filling and ammunition break-down areas are significantly under used.ROF Blackburn—Current activity—70 per cent. (cf December 82—50 per cent.)
Factory activity has increased during the last year and is expected to at least maintain this level into 1984–85. There are no areas which are greatly under-utilised but some (mechanical time fuze) areas are at full capacity.ROF Bridgwater — Current activity — 60 per cent. (cf December 82—50 per cent.)
This activity is based on the continuous manufacture of explosives and single shift working on all other processes. The major areas where surplus capacity exists are TNT and Composite propellant manufacture.ROF Chorley—Current activity—65 per cent. (cf December 82—65 per cent.)
The main areas of under-utilisation are in the filling of HE shell (105 mm and 155 mm), Barmine and 30 mm cannon ammunition. Any increases in these areas can be accommodated within the existing explosive limit certification.RSAF Enfield
The capacity is approximately twice the current output.ROF Glascoed—Current activity—60 per cent. (cf December 82—60 per cent.)
The main areas where significant increases in activity can be absorbed are pyrotechnics, BL755 and shell cartridge assembly. However, increases involving high explosive filled stores will be restricted by the existing explosive limits.ROF Leeds
The installed capacity will produce 240 MBTs per annum but this capacity can be exceeded with selective sub-contracting. The current output is 75 MBTs per annum.ROF Nottingham
The factory is working at approximately 35 per cent. of its installed capacity.ROF Patricroft—Current activity—85 per cent. (cf December 82—85 per cent.)
There are no significant areas of under-utilisation and double shift working is necessary on the shell and mortar bomb lines, together with Sidewinder motors.ROF Radway Green
Of the total output of the factory 70 per cent. of the production is the manufacture of small arms ammunition. Full production capacity of ammunition is being achieved by double-shift working. Other production output is working at 60 per cent. installed capacity.