§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he plans to have with British Aerospace and the trade unions about the future of the Royal Ordnance factory in Nottingham; and if he will make a statement; [130508]
182W(2) he has had with British Aerospace and the trade unions about the future of the Royal Ordnance factory in Nottingham; and if he will make a statement. [130507]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 17 July 2000]: My ministerial colleagues and I meet representatives of BAe Systems regularly to discuss a wide range of business. Most recently I met Mr. John Weston of BAe Systems on 25 May, when he briefed me on a number of matters arising from the recent acquisition of the defence business of GEC Marconi. Mr. Weston confirmed then that the future of the site at RO Nottingham was under review and I understand that work on the review continues. My noble Friend Baroness Symons, the Minister of State for Defence Procurement, met Trade Union representatives on 6 July to hear their views on the future prospects for RO Nottingham and expects to meet Trade Union representatives again shortly.