§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to ensure that vessels chartered by the MOD are British-flagged and crewed; and if he will make a statement. [1071]
§ Dr. John ReidThe Ministry of Defence is always eager to charter British flagged and crewed ships where they offer best value for money in meeting our requirements. Experience has shown however, that, in general, British ships, particularly for certain categories such as dry cargo vessels, are fully committed to regular trading activities and are seldom offered for charter.
In today's security environment, a substantial part of any logistic shipping requirement can be met on the worldwide market where vessels need not necessarily be British flagged or crewed as demonstrated during the Gulf 12W war, in subsequent operations and in day to day activities. The hon. Member will, of course, be aware of the important contribution made by the specialist ships and civilian crews of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service who provide such sterling assistance to our armed forces around the globe.