asked the Secretary of State for Defence what effects he expects the cancellation of the Iranian order for tanks will have on the production of the Royal ordnance factories in the current year and the two ensuing years; and if he will make a statement.

The cancellation of the Iranian order for tanks has already led to reduced production in the Royal ordnance factories. ROF Leeds, where 500 men left on voluntary redundancy, was the most seriously affected. Over the next two years no additional effects on production are expected.