§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the RMAS Arrochar, based in Portsmouth, is being disposed of. [89968]
§ Mr. SpellarThe Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service, RMAS, Naval Armament Vessels are employed primarily for freighting armament stores and other dry cargo.
A reduction in the freighting task as a result of the Strategic Defence Review, together with a decrease in the requirement to transport munitions for British forces in Germany, has cut the total volume of routine work to a level which can satisfactorily be met by using one vessel.
An independent study is being undertaken to assess the material state of uhe two vessels, RMAS Arrochar and RMAS Kinterbury, before we decide which vessel to retain in service.