Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Thomas Docherty Excerpts
Monday 25th February 2013

(11 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Robathan Portrait Mr Robathan
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The hon. Lady raises a very important point, but I am pretty certain that that is not the case, although I will write to her if it turns out that I am wrong. Nobody has their pay stopped until and if they are convicted of a criminal offence or at a court martial. If I am wrong I will let her know.

Thomas Docherty Portrait Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab)
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Products from Belted Galloway beef cattle reared and slaughtered on the Falkland Islands travel 30 miles to the NAAFI shop at Mount Pleasant. To be used in the kitchens, I am told by the Falkland Islands Government, the beef travels 8,000 miles back to the United Kingdom, is rebagged and goes back. Is that smart procurement?

Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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Food for our armed forces on operations, including in the Falklands, is supplied under a contract with Purple Foodservice, which undertakes supply to our forces wherever they are stationed. The hon. Gentleman raises an interesting point and I will look specifically, and write to him, as to whether there is any possibility of shortening procurement lines for beef in the Falklands.