§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the munitions currently used by Her Majesty's forces which are propelled by products from Royal Ordnance, Bishopton; and what steps have been taken by his Department to secure supplies of propellants following the end of production at Royal Ordnance, Bishopton. [68080]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Armed Forces use propellant produced at Royal Ordnance Bishopton to fire a range of 105mm and 155mm artillery projectiles and 120mm tank projectiles, the Naval 4/" Gun and rocket motors for the Royal Navy's Sea Wolf and Sea Skua missiles. It also produces raw propellant material used in a number of in-service missiles and small calibre ammunition manufactured at other locations. We have considered carefully the future supply of propellants currently made at Royal Ordnance Bishopton and are satisfied that, where necessary, sufficient and reliable alternative sources exist overseas to meet future MOD requirements should the facility close. Royal Ordnance remain responsible for meeting all its commitments under existing contracts with the MOD.