§ 78. Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to change refuelling arrangements at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation depot, Aultbea supply base; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanI am satisfied with the refuelling arrangements at the NATO depot at Loch Ewe, Aultbea, and plan to make no changes. However, I am aware that refuelling specific classes of vessels can, in certain 153W circumstances, lead to fuel spillages, such as the incident which occurred at Loch Ewe on 14 August. Modifications to the vessel fuel system are being developed. Meanwhile, affected Her Majesty's ships have been reminded of the need for special care to be taken during refuelling operations.