HC Deb 26 April 1982 vol 22 c220W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost (a) of compensation payable as a result of the requisitioning, and (b) of charter fees payable in respect of merchant vessels for the Falkland Islands naval task force; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Blaker

It is too early to estimate the total cost of either the requisitioned or the chartered vessels.

Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the fact that at least seven of the ships stated to be for disposal in the answer of 1 February to the hon. Member for Harrogate (Mr. Banks). Official Report, c. 42, are now on operational service in the Falkland Islands, he will now remove their names from the disposal list.

Mr. Blaker

Only three of the ships listed in the answer of 1 February to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate (Mr. Banks)—[Vol. 17, c.42]—are at present on operational service in the South Atlantic. Two of these had already been removed from the disposal list before the present crisis arose. The only ship in the South Atlantic which is still on the disposal list is HMS "Endurance" and we are considering her future.

Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what bonus is being paid to crews of Royal Fleet Auxiliary and merchant ships which are taking part in the Falkland Islands operations.

Mr. Blaker

For any service within the maritime exclusion zone Royal Fleet Auxiliary crews will receive, in addition to their normal pay, a sum equivalent to 150 per cent. of normal United Kingdom rates of pay. Crews of merchant ships chartered or requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence will also receive 150 per cent. enhancement of pay for service in support of the Falklands operation in a larger and differently defined area of the South Atlantic.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the instructions to the Forces concerning the maritime exclusion zone around the Falkland Islands which came into operation at 0400 Greenwich mean time on 12 April have been modified; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Blaker

It is not the practice to disclose details of operational orders given to our forces.