CONFIDENT IAL
3RD DRAFT
Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation
29. Work is almost complete on the re-organisation of the Naval
Aircraft Repair Organisation (NARO), following the transfer to the
Royal Air Force of responsibility for the repair management of
Naval fixed-wing aircraft and the assumption by the Royal Navy
of responsibility for the repair management of helicopters for
all three Services. Preparations are also well advanced for the
overhaul and repair within the NARO of marine gas-turbine engines
for the Fleet. Methods are currently being studied for improving
the efficiency and competitiveness of the NARO, without reducing
its flexibility in responding to urgent operational requirements.
The Royal Naval Supply and Transport Service (RNSTS)
30.
Multi-purpose workshop complexes are being constructed at
Portsmouth and Devonport to assist the RNSTS in servicing the
sophisticated weapons now entering service. Each complex is wholly
self-contained and able to maintain a variety of weapons, with an
improved standard of protection for personnel and equipment should
a mishap occur during assembly and testing. These workshops
represent a significant advance on existing maintenance facilities.
ROYAL ORDNANCE FACTORIES
Introduction of a Trading Fund
no
31. From 1 July 1974 the operations of the Royal Ordnance
Factories (POPS) have been financed by means of a Trading Fund
instead of by annual votes and appropriations. In consequence,
Vote provision has been made for their operations in Defence
Estimates. The disciplines and responsibilities of the new funding
arrangements, coupled with the greater autonomy which the Trading
VI-10
CONFIDENTIAL