§ Mr. FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what percentage of time the Government expects to use each of the ro-ro ships shortly to be ordered by his Department. [122987]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 19 May 2000]: The Ministry of Defence requires a Strategic Sealift service which is based on the availability of six ships on graduated notice of call-up for Joint Rapid Reaction Forces (JRRF) operations. The Ministry of Defence cannot predict when this requirement may arise. In addition, during those periods when there are no JRRF operations, the Ministry of Defence will need to employ on average about four vessels to carry out routine tasks such as supporting exercises or transporting freight.