Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 May 2002. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 May 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the future of Royal Ordnance.

Answer: Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of Royal Ordnance. [55786] Dr. Moonie: Royal Ordnance Defence (ROD) is a private company that is wholly owned by BAE Systems. It has been operating against a background of sharp decline in the worldwide demand for defence equipment. The Ministry of Defence is aware that ROD is currently carrying out a manufacturing strategy review to optimise its business such that it will remain viable and competitive in the defence sector. Any decisions that emerge from this review are a commercial matter for the company. ROD has also indicated that it intends to invest substantially in a number of sites across the United Kingdom. The MOD remains confident that ROD will continue to be a major producer of munitions for the United Kingdom armed forces, particularly through the Framework Partnering Agreement that has been established between ROD and the MOD.

Secondary information