§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if Service men currently on duty in the South Atlantic have all been issued with new protective overalls less susceptible to fire hazards.
§ Mr. PattieFlame-resistant cotton overalls have been issued for all Fleet personnel in the South Atlantic.
§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if Royal Navy ships currently serving in the South Atlantic have been issued with interior sprung mattresses in place of the foam mattresses previously installed.
§ Mr. PattieThe foam mattresses in a number of Royal Navy ships designated for service in the South Atlantic have already been replaced by interior sprung ones, and the programme to provide replacement mattresses is being pursued as a matter of urgency.
§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress is being made with the replacement of clothing and mattresses found to be a fire risk during the Falklands campaign.
§ Mr. PattieSome 4,500 interior-sprung mattresses will be fitted in Her Majesty's ships by the end of August. Flame-resistant cotton overalls have been supplied for all Fleet personnel in the South Atlantic and all remaining Fleet units will be equipped as supplies become available. The longer term need for replacements for clothing items will be urgently evaluated in the light of the reports of the relevant boards of inquiry.