§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the daily rations are for British troops while on deployment in the Gulf; and if he will make a statement. [93414]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Naval Forces have sufficient stock embarked to sustain themselves for a number of weeks. This stock is composed of a full range of fresh/ambient/ frozen and chilled foodstuffs. If required, re-supply will be effected by transfer of stock from one of the support ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Land Forces deploy with a number of days of Operational Ration Packs (ORP). This can be augmented by the addition of some items of fresh food (e.g. fruit, bread). When appropriate equipment and military Chefs have arrived in support, units are able to transition from a purely ORP diet, to a mixture of ORP and fresh food as the situation dictates.
The ORP range consists of seven menus and provides sufficient calories and nutritional balance to provide a Service person with sufficient food for one day in the field. An average calorific intake for the complete range is 3,800 calories per ration. Each menu has a breakfast (400 cals), a snack lunch (1,750 cals) and a dinner (1,000 cals) plus sufficient sundry items (650 cals) ie tea, coffee and squash powder to provide variety and minimise fatigue. The ration is designed to be eaten either hot or cold, but ideally is used in conjunction with the hexamine solid fuel cooker, as the food is more appetising if it is heated. The ORP range also provides for ethnic feeding (Halal, Sikh/Hindu) and for vegetarians. The calorific content for these rations is similar to the general purpose range.