HC Deb 19 March 1987 vol 112 cc570-1W
Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the extension of contract catering facilities at Royal Air Force bases in Scotland: and if he will list the time scale envisaged for completion of such extensions.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Contract catering was introduced at RAF Turnhouse and RAF Pitreavie Castle last year. We are also examining the possibility of contracting out the catering support function in RAF junior ranks messes throughout the United Kingdom by early 1990. Contracts for this work would be let at RAF Leuchars and RAF Kinloss in mid-1988, but we do not yet know when contracts would be let at other RAF stations in Scotland.

As a separate measure, the Army, which provides catering services at RAF Benbecula, is considering contracting out elements of these services; if this programme proceeds, contracts would be let later this year.

Mr. Donald Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those operational Royal Air force bases in the United Kingdom which have catering services provided by (a) contract and (b) civilian manpower.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The following stations controlled by RAF Strike Command have catering services provided by contract:

  • Fylingdales
  • Manston
  • Northolt
  • Turnhouse
  • West Drayton

There are no RAF stations at which the catering service is wholly civilian manned. Catering is provided by a mixture of civilian and service personnel at the following Strike Command stations in the United Kingdom.

  • Aldergrove
  • Barnham
  • Bawdsey
  • Benbecula1
  • Bentley priory
  • Benson
  • Binbrook
  • Bishops court
  • Boulmer
  • Brawdy
  • Brize Norton
  • Buchan
  • Catterick
  • Chivenor
  • Coltishall
  • Coningsby
  • Cottesmore
  • High Wycombe
  • Honington
  • Hullavington
  • Kinloss
  • Leeming
  • Leuchars
  • Lossiemouth
  • Lyneham
  • Machrihanish
  • Marham
  • Mount Batten
  • Neatishead
  • Odiham
  • Portreath
  • Saxa Vord
  • Spadeadam
  • Stanmore park
  • Staxton Wold
  • St. Mawgan
  • Stornaway Upavon
  • Waddington
  • Wattisham
  • Watton
  • West Raynham
  • Wittering
  • Wyton

1Catering services provided by the Army.