Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 1 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 July 1999. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 8 July 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reasons the RMAS `Arrochar', based in Portsmouth, is being disposed of.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the RMAS Arrochar, based in Portsmouth, is being disposed of. [89968] Mr. Spellar: The 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 the two vessels, RMAS Arrochar and RMAS Kinterbury, before we decide which vessel to retain in service.

Secondary information