§ Mr. Wellbelovedasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied with the measures taken to improve the control and organisation of catering services in the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. JuddAs the House was informed on 16th October 1973, the main recommendations of the Donaldson Committee on the Financial Control of Catering in the Services have been accepted by the Ministry of Defence. We are pressing ahead with their implementation. The principal recommendation that food supplies for the Services should normally be obtained from Service or NAAFI sources has now been put into effect by the Royal Navy. The Catering Branch is being substantially reorganised to enhance career prospects, develop professional skills more fully, and to improve co-ordination and control across the whole catering field. Additionally, a number of specially-qualified naval officers are being appointed to the Ministry of Defence and to the staffs of Commanders-in-Chief with the object of providing expert advice on all catering matters.
I am confident that these innovations and further improvements, which will progressively be introduced, will greatly improve the control and administration of catering services within the Royal Navy.