To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on rations for the armed forces while they are on manoeuvres. [75984]

The food supply arrangements for our Armed Forces deployed on operations or exercises will depend on the specific circumstances prevailing. Our aim is always to establish the supply of fresh rations at the earliest opportunity. Where this is not practicable, or in the period before a fresh food supply chain can be established, our personnel will normally be fed on Operational Ration Packs. These Packs have been developed specifically to provide a balanced, varied and nutritional diet suitable for use in a wide range of different field conditions.