§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications for United Kingdom security of the failure to reach agreement in respect of the pay award to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. [21057]
§ Mr. SoamesRoyal Fleet Auxiliary officers have already reached agreement on last year's pay award, and we hope that ratings will also vote for acceptance in their present ballot. If agreement is not reached, however, the security implications would depend on the nature and extent of any industrial action taken.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to privatise the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; and if he will make a statement. [21058]
§ Mr. SoamesNone. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary service operates in direct support of our front-line forces.