§ Mr. Sean HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will describe the distribution system for perishable foodstuffs for service personnel stationed on the Falklands Islands.
§ Mr. FreemanBulk food items are transported to the Falklands from the United Kingdom by ship each month. Fresh provisions are delivered twice weekly by the RAF trooping flight. A small quantity of salad is bought locally. All foodstuffs are kept in specially constructed secure buildings at Mount Pleasant and distributed to service personnel by specialist catering staff as required. Personnel working in remote locations are resupplied regularly by helicopter.
§ Mr. Sean HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether there has been any official investigation into the distribution system for perishable foodstuffs for service personnel stationed on the Falklands Islands.
§ Mr. FreemanNo. However, the means of delivery, storage and distribution of foodstuffs are kept under constant review.
§ Mr. Sean HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements exist on the Falklands Islands for the disposal of perishable foodstuffs that are surplus to service requirements.
§ Mr. FreemanThe quantities of food supplied to the Falkland Islands garrison take account of shelf life, consumption rate and storage facilities and are managed in such a way that there is no surplus. There is a regular and controlled turnover of all food stocks in the Falkland Islands and fresh produce is generally consumed within a few days of arrival in theatre.