HL Deb 08 December 1999 vol 607 cc89-90WA
Eark Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many 24-hour operational ration packs have been issued by the Ministry of Defence for operations and training in each oaf f the last five years; and at what annual rate they are planned to be issued during each quarter of the year 2000. [HL109]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Records for the issue of 24-hour operational ration packs for operations and training prior to 1997 are incomplete. Figures are collated on the basis of the financial year rather than the calendar year; in 1997–98 a total of 1.2 million rations were issued and in 1998–99 ration issues totalled 1.6 million. We expect 1.9 million rations to be issued in 1999–2000 and 1.2 million in 2000–01. It is not possible to forecast precisely a quarterly rate of issue, as this depends on operational deployments and training demands, but issues of between 280,000 and 320,000 per quarter in 2000–01 would be expected.

Earl Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the man-day's holdings of Ministry of Defence operational ration packs have varied in percentage terms between May 1997 and November 1999 taking May 1997 as 100 per cent. [HL110]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

As at November 1999, total stocks of operational ration packs have reduced by 7 per cent compared against the equivalent stockholding position in May 1997.