§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the means by which industry will meet the stockholding requirements of his Department for weapons, equipment and clothing following the disposal of current stocks. [50964]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 17 July 1998]As part of the Strategic Defence Review the Department is assessing the stockholding requirements needed to be retained in house and what may more effectively be provided from industry within agreed readiness times. Each equipment area will be examined in detail and a decision taken on stockholding policy requirement. Following this detailed work the Department will invite expressions of interest from industry.