HC Deb 10 April 2002 vol 383 cc21-2W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for his position on the Royal Ordnance factory at Bishopton to be changed. [46426]

Dr. Moonie

The Royal Ordnance factories passed into private ownership in April 1987. The Bishopton facility is now operated by Royal Ordnance Defence (ROD), which is owned by BAE Systems. Decisions on the future of ROD sites, including Bishopton, are a matter for the company.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the overseas sources which will meet his Department's requirements for propellants following the closure of Royal Ordnance, Bishopton. [46427]

Dr. Moonie

The Ministry of Defence places contracts with a prime contractor for the supply of whole munitions and the sourcing of components for those munitions, such as propellant, is a matter for the prime contractor. The MOD considers achieving value for the taxpayers' money, as well as security of supply, to be key criteria in the procurement of safe and reliable munitions for the armed forces. The MOD understands that Royal Ordnance Defence has entered into a long-term supply agreement for propellant with Nitrochemie AG of Germany.