§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answers of 13 February,Official Report, column 632 and 20 February, Official Report, columns 291–92, what impact the provision of extra accommodation for young officers has had on the ships' military, logistic or other capabilities; where the accommodation space has been found; by how much the normal ship's company will be reduced as a result, and in what branches; and if he will set out the arrangements by 218W which ships' companies will maintain the operational effectiveness of these ships in between officer training periods.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe provision of extra accommodation for young officers—YOs—has no impact on the military, logistic and other capabilities of the type 22 Frigates designated for initial sea training—IST. The additional accommodation has been provided in the largest junior rates mess deck. Depending on the number of YOs to be taken on board for their period of IST, each ship's commanding officer will land up to 20 ratings, from a variety of branches, taking into account the ship's current drafting state and programme. On completion of IST, all ratings landed will be re-embarked. In the periods when the type 22 frigates are not required to carry YOs, they will maintain their operational effectiveness through regular operational sea training and exercises.