§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the cost effectiveness of the present arrangements for running the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonLike all aspects of MOD business, the cost effectiveness of the RFA is kept under review. The RFA continues to provide afloat support to the Royal Navy effectively and efficiently.
§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role was played by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in the build up of forces during Operation Granby, during hostilities in the Gulf region, and in related operations such as the Kurdish relief efforts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonI refer my hon. Friend to chapters 1 and 2 of the "Statement on the Defence Estimates 1991", volume 1, Cm. 1559–1.
Eleven Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships were tasked on Operation Granby in a variety of roles, including supply, medical support and heavy engineering. The ships involved were:
Orangeleaf—which was already supporting the Armilla patrol and was subsequently relieved by Bayleaf
- Onla
- Argus
98 - Diligence
- Resource
- Fort Grange
- Sir Galahad
- Sir Percivale
- Sir Tristram
- Sir Bedivere
The outstanding support provided by the RFA was instrumental in the success of Operation Granby.
RFA Resource subsequently made a significant contribution to the Kurdish relief effort and Fort Grange has provided support in the Bangladesh relief operation.
§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to change the management or manning of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; whether it is his intention to retain the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as an essentially civilian part of the British merchant navy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThere are no plans to change the current manning of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary by Merchant Navy personnel. Future management arrangements are under review as part of the MOD's continuing efforts to maximise efficiency. No decisions have been taken, and any proposals affecting staff will be the subject of consultation with the trade unions in the usual way.