To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the dates when, and persons with whom, his Department was in communication concerning the possible granting of contracts for the supply of ammunition to Her Majesty's forces by the Astra company; and what representations he has received since then from Astra concerning assurances allegedly given at that time.

As part of their normal duties, many persons employed in my Department have been involved on numerous occasions in discussion with Astra regarding the supply of ammunition. My Department has no record of representations about alleged assurances.