§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the ordnance manufacturing capability of the UK for the supply of UK armed forces requirement. [51500]
§ Mr. SpellarUK industry has extensive capability for the development and production of the guns and ammunition required by the Armed Forces. Most requirements are now subject to international competition. However, the principal recent orders for guns, including the AS90 howitzer, the gun for the Challenger 2 tank and the SA 80 small arm, have been awarded to UK industry. UK industry also continues to supply the great majority of the Armed Forces' ammunition needs.