§ Mr. FishburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the magnetic treatment facility.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleWe have decided not to proceed with the contract with Dowty Defence and Air Systems Ltd. for the design and construction of a magnetic treatment facility at Faslane. Recent design studies suggest that a more cost-effective and less environmentally obtrusive means of meeting the requirement should be available. The decision to cancel the contract in no way reflects on the standard of performance of the company or its subcontractors. It will not affect the programme for the deployment of the Trident submarine.