§ Mr. Tom KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the strategic security of supply for ammunition and explosives in relation to Royal Ordnance. Bridgwater, indicating the actions he is proposing. [92553]
§ Mr. George Robertson[holding answer 23 July 1999]: The Ministry of Defence recognises that the British Armed Forces need to have access to reliable sources of supply for ammunition and explosives. We are currently negotiating with Royal Ordnance potential partnering arrangements covering a wide range of ammunition products. It is too early to predict the outcome of these negotiations. The industrial base required to support the company's likely future business, including individual Royal Ordnance factories, is a matter for the company.