§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of hiring the 40,000 tonne Lucerna from Cunard to take fuel to the Falklands.
§ Mr. PattieMV Lucerna is not used to take fuel to the Falklands, but rather to hold fuel at Ascension Island. It is not the practice to disclose the cost of individual contracts for reasons of commercial confidentiality.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the National Union of Seamen about the use of foreign ratings on board the Lucerna.
§ Mr. PattieThe general secretary of the National Union of Seamen sent a telemessage on 9 September 1983 expressing concern about the employment of non-United Kingdom crews generally, and seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the problem. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces met union representatives on 30 September and explained that British crews are used where suitable arrangements can be made.