LINDSAY Hoyle has urged the Prime Minister to stop BAE Systems' plan to shut the Royal Ordnance Factory in his Chorley constituency.
The MP told Tony Blair that shutting plants would not merely cost 200 jobs but put the supply of vital ammunition to British troops across the world, including Iraq, at risk.
He asked Mr Blair to intervene at Prime Minister's Questions over the plan to cut the Chorley plan.
Mr Hoyle said they provided vital equipment to ensure that ammunition worked properly, not just for the Army but for the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
He said the decision would leave British forces relying on ammunition from Switzerland which could not be guaranteed in times of conflict.
Mr Blair replied that BAE Systems had a responsibility to ensure continuity of supply and said the Ministry of Defence had been assured with even with the closure of Chorley and another Royal Ordnance factory in Bridgewater that continuity of supply would remain.
He added: "However I understand the concerns you have expressed."
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