§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when RFA Fort Victoria was taken to FMRO Portsmouth; what unprogrammed work is required, and at what cost; what penalties will be applied to the contractor; when the ship is currently programmed to be accepted by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenRFA Fort Victoria was accepted from her builders, Harland and Wolff, on 24 March, and arrived at Portsmouth on 7 April where she will be based for a six-month programme of trials before entering service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. A number of defects remain and others may emerge during the trials. These will be rectified using the resources of FMRO Portsmouth as part of a co-ordinated programme. The cost of this work will be met by Harland and Wolff.