HC Deb 28 June 1988 vol 136 cc225-6W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) why he has not hitherto been prepared to implement the heads of agreement signed between his Department and British Aerospace in April 1987 concerning the establishment of an agreement with Royal Ordnance plc for the supply of explosives, propellants and related products;

(2) whether it remains his policy to invest £12 million in assisting Royal Ordnance plc with its productivity improvement programme, as envisaged in the heads of agreement for the supply of explosives, propellants and related products signed in April 1987.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on negotiations between his Department and Royal Ordnance plc over an EP(REP) agreement to supply explosives and propellants.

Mr. Anthony Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he anticipates completing the explosives and propellants and related end product agreement with Royal Ordnance; and if he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the position regarding the award to Royal Ordnance of an EP(REP) agreement.

Mr. Sainsbury

Discussions with the company are still continuing and I am not yet in a position to make a statement on their outcome.