§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the inspection arrangements for the vessels to be transferred to Serco-Denholm by officials of the marine safety agency; what is the timetable for such inspection; if Serco-Denholm will be responsible for ensuring that those vessels judged to be in an unsatisfactory condition are brought up to MSA requirements; and if he will make a statement; [38895]
(2) what assessment he has made of whether the royal maritime auxiliary service vessels which are to be handed over to Serco-Denholm comply with MSA regulations; and if he will make a statement; [38890]
(3) if he will make a statement on the financial arrangements he has entered into in relation to the transfer of royal maritime auxiliary service vessels to Serco-Denholm; [38905]
(4) what guarantees have been sought by Serco-Denholm in relation to the seaworthiness of the RMSA vessels which are to be transferred to the consortium; and if he will make a statement; [38889]
(5) what financial arrangements he has entered into with Serco-Denholm concerning the construction of vessels needed to service the Ministry of Defence contract; and if he will make a statement. [38943]
§ Mr. SoamesAll RMAS vessels to be used by Serco-Denholm in fulfilment of its contract with my Department are being inspected by my officials and an independent Lloyd's surveyor as part of the process of ensuring that they comply with current Ministry of Defence safety standards.
Following contract effective date on 12 August, Serco-Denholm will, as the contract requires, be responsible for ensuring that the vessels meet the standards of safety and certification operating in the commercial shipping industry and regulated by the marine safety agency (MSA).
Initially the vessels will be supplied as Government furnished equipment but, after achievement of MSA certification, they will be chartered on normal commercial terms by Serco-Denholm. No financial arrangements have been entered into with Serco-Denholm concerning the construction of vessels. The vessels will remain Government-owned assets and the responsibility for procuring any replacements will rest with my Department.