HC Deb 29 March 1999 vol 328 cc486-7W
Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the Department for Trade and Industry regarding the closure of Royal Ordnance Bishopton; and if he will make a statement. [78183]

Mr. George Robertson

[holding answer 22 March 1999]: I consulted other Government Ministers, including my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, about the issues surrounding the recent decisions on the Multi Year Buy and Extended Range Ordnance/ Modular Charge System competitions, including the impact on Royal Ordnance Bishopton and other Royal Ordnance sites. In addition to work associated with the Modular Charge System, Royal Ordnance informed the Ministry of Defence that it would require further work to be directed to Bishopton, without competition, for the plant to remain open. Even then, the work force would have had to reduce by almost half to around 150 employees. We concluded that £20 million cost premium to keep a much reduced Bishopton open in the short term did not represent good value for the taxpayer.

Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which foreign Governments have been consulted with regard to the re-sourcing of ammunition supplies to UK forces following the closure of Royal Ordnance Bishopton. [78181]

Mr. George Robertson

[holding answer 22 March 1999]: We have not formally consulted foreign Governments about the supply of ammunition after the closure of Royal Ordnance Bishopton, nor is there a need to do so. We routinely conduct international competitions for the procurement of ammunition. These show that there are many friendly and reliable alternative sources in Europe and further overseas. In the event of an urgent, unforeseen demand for ammunition, we would secure further supplies from friends and allies, as we have successfully done in the past. To facilitate such procurements the UK is a signatory of the international Joint Ballistic MOU, together with France, Germany, Italy and the US, which allows for the strategic and tactical interchange of 155mm ammunition.