§ 23. Mr. Weetchasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Air Force stations use civilian catering; what is the cost difference; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WellbelovedWhile most RAF stations employ civilians in support of RAF catering staff, only at RAF Fylingdales and RAF Swinderby do we have recourse to catering by contract. Shortage of accommodation at Fylingdales precludes the use of RAF catering staff. Contract catering at Swinderby has been the practice for some time; a new civilian catering contract has recently been agreed. The cost of the civilian contract or Service manning is broadly the same.