§ Mr. GodsiffTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for future orders of ammunition from the Royal Ordnance plc, Birtley; and what scope exists for bringing forward the placement of such orders.
§ Mr. AitkenAmmunition orders are let after competition wherever possible. Tenders are currently being evaluated for orders for tank ammunition and naval ammunition in which Royal Ordnance, Birtley has an interest. No other major orders which might involve work at Birtley are imminent. There is no scope for bringing forward orders, although as I announced to the House on 20 January,Official Report, col. 476, we intend to place a number of longer-term contracts for ammunition with the aim of helping industry to plan ahead with confidence. The tank ammunition order is an example of this.