HC Deb 14 December 1982 vol 34 cc109-10
4. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will list those merchant ships currently chartered or requisitioned by his Department for use in connection with the Falklands operations.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces (Mr. Jerry Wiggin)

Twenty-seven ships are currently taken up for use in support of our forces on or around the Falkland Islands and four are being prepared for return to their owners. I shall publish the full list in the Official Report.

Mr. Mitchell

I believe that the "Uganda" was recently chartered or requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence. Is it the only merchant ship suitable for the purpose?

Mr. Wiggin

We had a requirement, which we put to the shipping industry. "Uganda" seemed best to fulfil the requirement in terms of price and availability, and we have signed a contract for that ship.

Mr. Cockeram

Will my hon. Friend turn his attention today to a project being discussed by his officials—the chartering of a merchant vessel in which to quarter Service personnel—and will he ensure that the fitting out of the vessel is undertaken in the United Kingdom and not, as happened recently with a similar charter, abroad?

Mr. Wiggin

We would like to give the work to British industry as long as it can meet the requirement and the delivery date. That is essential.

Following is the information:

The following ships are currently taken up for use in support of our forces on or around the Falkland Islands.
"Anco Charger" "Yorkshireman"
"British Avon" "St. Edmund"
"British Forth" "Rangatira"
"British Tay" "Baltic Ferry"
"British Trent" "Lycaon"
"British Esk" "Norland"
"British Tamar" "Cunard Countess"
"Alvega" "St. Helena"
"Fort Edmonton" "Sandshire"
"G A Walker" "St. Brandon"
"Scottish Eagle" "Stena Inspector"
"Hans Maersk" "Stena Sea Spread"
"Fort Toronto" "Safe Dominia"
"Salvageman"

A further four are being prepared for return to their owners.