§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in his plans to transfer the armed services food supply task to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyNegotiations with the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute are proceeding satisfactorily and I expect shortly to be able to provide full details of the future food supply arrangements for the armed services. As part of our review of this task, the future of victualling depots operated by the Ministry of Defence has been examined. This work is continuing, but the conclusions reached so far are that the Royal Navy victualling depots at Burnetts Lane, near Southampton, and Royal Elizabeth Yard, Kirkliston, near Edinburgh, are no longer required. It is therefore proposed the Burnetts Lane should close by 30 September 1995, and that REY Kirkliston should close by 31 March 1996.
These proposals are subject to consultation with the trade unions and other interested parties. No final decisions will be taken until consultation has been completed, and negotiations with NAAFI have been concluded.