HC Deb 20 December 1988 vol 144 cc251-2W
Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether all the fresh produce that is shipped to the Falkland Islands is entirely consumed by service personnel; and what is the wastage rate of fresh produce shipped to the Falkland Islands.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Fresh produce shipped to the Falkland Islands is almost entirely consumed by service personnel, the only exceptions being supplies issued to the King Edward Memorial hospital and families occupying married quarters in Mount Pleasant. Issues to the hospital ensure that the dietary needs of all civilian and service patients are met. In both cases issues are made at full repayment rates. Stringent quality control ensures that the wastage rate of fresh produce shipped to the Falklands is very small.

Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of specialist catering staff involved in the distribution of foodstuffs on the Falkland Islands.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Distribution of foodstuffs on the Falklands is carried out by the RAOC Ration Platoon. The platoon are not caterers, but include in their establishment a petty officer and a leading cook who liaise with the Royal Navy afloat. RAF Mount Pleasant is responsible for catering support throughout Mount Pleasant complex and employs one NCO and four aircrew to distribute food commodities to the various catering outlets.

Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions mess funds on the Falkland Islands have had to be compensated from central funds due to errors in the distribution system of foodstuffs.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

None.