THE Ministry of Defence has changed its mind over refusing to meet Inverclyde’s MP to discuss potential dangers posed by unexploded wartime bombs still lying in the River Clyde.

Ronnie Cowan MP had raised concerns about the issue in the House of Commons, particularly in relation to nuclear submarines, and the Minister for Defence Procurement, Philip Dunne MP, offered to meet him to discuss it.

Mr Dunne then withdrew the offer in a letter, prompting Mr Cowan to accuse him of ‘a snub’.

Now, however, following a phone call from the Tele to the MoD, the meeting is back on.

Mr Cowan brought up the bomb danger because he was concerned the UK Government had admitted that, following the two world wars, it was estimated only 20 per cent of the ordnance dropped in the sea had been accounted for.

He said: “While unexploded ordnance poses a low risk, the sea mine found near Gourock last year shows why the UK Government mustn’t be complacent, especially as the Clyde is routinely used by Britain’s nuclear submarines.”

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Cowan said: “With both the existing Trident programme and the potential successor programme in mind, will the minister tell me what measures his department is taking to identify unexploded ordnance in the River Clyde?”

Mr Dunne replied: “The department places the safety of our nuclear fleet at the highest possible level. There are continuous attempts to ensure that any potential threats to our submarines are monitored.

“If the honourable gentleman has something specific he would like to draw to our attention he should do so, and I am happy to meet him to discuss it.”

Mr Cowan then wrote to him, saying that ‘information provided by the UK Government has not assuaged my concerns regarding the amount of unexploded ordnance that may still exist in the River Clyde’, and added that that he would welcome a meeting.

Mr Dunne then refused a meeting, noting that ‘regrettably there is nothing more I can add’.

But a spokesperson for the MoD said today: “Philip Dunne has not declined to meet with Mr Cowan, and his offer remains open.”

Mr Cowan’s office welcomed the change of heart at the MoD, and said the MP looked forward to the meeting.